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45th Ookgeess, ) SENATE. ( Ex. Doc. 

'M Session. S \ No. 24. 



FRMCO-GEEMAN WAR ^, 



J^NID 



INSURRECTION OF THE COMMUNE. 



CORRESPONDENCE 



E. B. WASHBUENE, 



BNVOY EXTRAOEDINARY AND MINISTER PLBNIPOTENTIARY OF THR 
"UNITEB STATES TO FRANCE. 



WASHINGTON: 

GOVEENMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

1878. 



.L 



■i 




IHP96-007663 



oJ 



MESSAGE 

FROM THE 

PRESIDENT OE THE UNITED STATES, 



COMMUNICATING, 



In compliance loith a Senate resolution of ' December 6, 1877, information 
in relation to the Franco-German war. 



FebkuaPvY 11, 1878. — Ordered to lie on the table and be printed. 



To the Senate : 

I transmit herewith, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate of 
the 6th of December last, a report from the Secretary of State and its 
accompanying papers. 

R. B. HAYES. 

WASHiNaTON, February 6, 1878. 



To the President : 

The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the resolution of the 
Senate of December 6, 1877, requesting the President, " if not incompat- 
ible with the public interests, to transmit to the Senate the correspond- 
ence of the minister of the United States at Paris with the State De- 
partment in relation to the Franco-German war, together with the cor- 
respondence of the said minister with the Count de Bismarck, Mr. von 
Thile, the Prussian minister of foreign affairs, Mr, Bancroft, the United 
States minister at Berlin, and Mr. Motley, the United States minister at 
London," has the honor to transmit herewith a copy of the correspond- 
ence requested by the resolution of the Senate. 
Respectfully submitted. 

WM. M. EVAETS. 
Depahtment of State, 

Washington^ February 6, 1878. i 



LIST OF PAPERS, WITH THEIR SUBJECTS. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 



From -whom and to whom. 



Mr. "Washburne to Mr. Fish . July 19 



Date. 



1870. 



.do 

-do 

.do 

-do 

-do 
-do 
.do 

-do , 

.do . 



-Ado 
...do 



Mr. "Washburne to Mr. Ban- 

. croft. 
Mr. 'Washbiirne to ilr. Fish. 
do 



.do 
.do 



Mr. Washburne to Mr. Ban- 
croft. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 



.do 
-do 



.do 
-do 



-do 



Mr. Washburne to Mr. Ban- 
croft. 
do 

Mr. Washburne to Messrs. 

McKean. 
Mr. Hoffman to Mr. Gill . . . 



-do 



Mr. Washburne to Mr. Jones 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Ban- 
croft. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Jones 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish . 

do 



Mr. Washburne to Duke de 

Gramoiit. 
Mr. Washburne to Messrs. 

Rothschild. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Read. 



July 21 

July 22 
July 22 

July 24 

July 26 
July 26 
July 28 

July 29 

July 29 

July 29 
July 29 

Aug. 2 

Aug. 4 
Aug. 5 

Aug. 5 



Aug 

AuiT. 


8 
10 


Aug. 


11 


Aug. 


11 


Aug. 


12 


Aug. 
Aug. 


12 

12 


Aug. 
Aug. 


12 
12 


Aug. 
Aug. 


13 
17 


Aug. 


12 


Aug. 
Aug. 


14 
15 


Aug. 


15 


Aug. 


16 


Aug. 


15 


Aug. 


16 


Aug. 


16 


Aug. 


17 


Aug. 


18 



Subject. 



Incidents connected with the breaking out of the 
Franco-German war. 

Refusal to exempt North German steamers from 
capture. 

Same subject 

Protection of North German archives. North 
Germans leaving France, correspondence as to. 

Proteution of North Germans and Saxons. Hesse 
Grand-Ducal and Saxe-CoburgGotha ask same. 

Same subject , 

Same subject !, , 

Refusal of French Government to allow General 
Sheridan and staif to join the French army. 

Further correspondence as to departure of North 
Germans from France. 

United States consuls in France to assume the 
care of North German consulates. Circular 
from the legation July 28, 1870. 

General news. The secret treaty 

Subjects of Bavaria, Wlirtemberg, and Baden 
under Swiss protection. 

Protection of German subjects by "United States 
legation in Paris. 

Additional force required by new duties 

Taking of Saarbruck by the French. Current 
speculations as to probability of a general Euro- 
pean war. 

The secret treaty. Circular dispatch of the Due 
de Gramont, August 3, 1870. 

General. Effect of the news of the battles 

Requests opinion as to issuing passes to enter 
German territory. 

Passports not to be issued except to full citizens 
of the United States. 

Subjects of North Germany desire certificates of 
protection. 

Expulsion of North Germans from France. Many 
too poor to leave without aid — asking for a credit 
to aid them. 

Proceedings at the opening of the Corps Legislatif . 

Protection of North German subjects. Concerted 
action of Mr. Washburne with the Swiss and 
Russian ministers. 

The new ministry. Inclosure of names 

Measures for the protection of the German em- 
bassy. 

Safety of German merchandise in Paris 

Comiuitting property of German embassy to their 
charge. 

Probable expulsion of Germans from French ter- 
ritory. 

Regulations as to exit of Germans from France . . . 

Pecuniary assistance asked for subjects of Hesse- 
Darmstadt. 

Destitute condition of German subjects 



Arrangements for sending expelled Germans into 

Belgium. 
Condition of North Germans in Paris. Receipt of 

credit of 50,000 thalers ; mode of disposing of it. 
The detention of the persons of North Germans in 

France. Inclosures. 
Information as to Colonel Gramont 



Credit of 50,000 thalers from Prussian Government 

Instructions to the French police respecting passes 
to German subjects. 



VI 



LIST OF PAJ'EHS. 
FRANCO-GERMAN WAR— Continued. 



From ■whom and to whom. 



Date. 



Siibjeot. 



Page. 



Mr. 'Washburne to Mr. 
Schmi(it. 

Mr. Schmidt to Mr. Wash- 
burne. 

Mr. Washburne to Mi'. Fish. 

Mr. Hoffman to Mr. Kead . . . 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Jones 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Cor- 

neau. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. von 
Thile. 

Prince de la Tour d'Au- 
vergne to Mr.Washburne. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. von 
Thile. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Mot- 
ley. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fislj . 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Ban- 
croft. 

Mr. von Thile to Mr. Wash- 
burne. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Ban- 
croft. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. von 
Thile. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Ban- 
croft. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish 

do 

do 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Mot- 
ley. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 
do 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Glas- 

govr. 
do 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. vou 
Thile. 

Mr. -fon Thile to Mr. Wash- 
burne. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Ban- 
croft. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

Mr. Washburne to German 
military and civil authori- 
ties. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

do 

do 

do 

do - 

do 

do 

......do 



Mr. "Washburne to Mr. Ban- 
croft. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Mot- 
ley. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

do 



1870. 
Aug. 18 Direotins arrarjjements v?ith railroad company 
for transportation of Germans at reduced rates. 
Aug. 1« Same subject 

Aug. 19 Blockade of North-German coast 

Aug. aO Directions lespectiug German vessels loaded for 
American account 

Aug. 20 Requests application for reduced rates for trans- 
porting German subjects on a Belgian railroad. 

Aug. 20 Requests protection of the property of the consul- 
general of North-German Confederation. 

Aug. 22 Expulsion of Germans from France; steps taken 
for their protection. 

Aug. 19 Arrest of Mr. Schleucker, German consul at 
Lyons. 

Aug. 24 Same subject 

Aug. 25 Samesul'ject 

Aug. 23 Receipt and disposition of cipher telegram 

Aug. 26 Transmits correspoudenceas to German complaint 

of vidl^tioii of flags of truce. 
Aug. 25 Ap^ilicaiion of funiis for assistance of German 

subjects. 
Aug. 25 Permission for valets of French prisoners of war 

to enter Piussia. 
Aug. 27 Appreciation of thanks tendered by the German 

government for Mr. Washburne's'service-*. 
Aug. 27 Removal of prohibition agaiust German subjects 

to leave France by Belgian frontier. " 

Aug. 30 General Trochu's order for expulsion of certain 

classes of citizens. 

Aug. 26 Same sul'ject 

Aug. 29 Further order of General Trochu. Mr. Wash- 
burne acts in concert with the Swiss minister 

respec ing the order. 

Aug. 31 Blockade of North-German coast 

Sept. 1 Receipt and transmission of dispatches from 

Count Bisiijarck to Count Bernstoff. 

Sept. 2 Transmits copies < f the above dispatches 

Sept. 2 Number of passports issued to Germans and iium- 
' ber of persons who have i eceived transportation 
j to Germany. 
Sept. 3 I Directions as to sending needy Germans to Paris 

Sept. 5 Same subject 

Sept. 3 j Protection obtained for the property of Mr. Stahr, 

I Saxon consul at Lille. 

Sept. 8 j Expressing gratitude for Mr. Washburne's assist- 

j ance to Mr. Stahr. 

Sept. 9 Release of Germans from prison 

Sept. 3 Capture of Sedan 

Sept. 4 Requesting permis.sion for Madame MacMahon 
and others to visit Marshal MacMahon. 

Sept. 5 Provisional government to be appointed 

Sept. 5 Proclamation of republic ^ 

Sept. 5 Names of members of the provisional government. 
Paris quiet. Instructions asked for. 

Sept. 5 New government installed. Pari.s tranquil 

Sept. 5 Description of the events tjjat had taken place in 
Paris since the surrender of MacMahon. 

Sept. 9 His recognition of the republic. Interview with 
M. Jules Favre. Telegram to department. 

Sept. 9 A tribute of the French to Mr.Washburne; Ad- 
dress to Mr.Washburne; Mr. Washburne's re- 
ply- 

Sept. 9 Elfction ordered for a constituent assembly. De- 
cree by the provisional government September 
8, 1870. 

Sept. 16 Expelled Germans nearly all sent forward 

Sept. 10 Arrangements as to means of communication be- 
tween London and Paris. 

Sept. 12 Mr. Washburne asked by France to interpose his 
good olHces unoiflcially. Instructions asked for, 

Sept. 13 Mr. Washburne asked to interfere, unofficially, to 
ascertain the views of the Prussian Government 
as to peace. He declines, under instructions. 



LIST OF PAPERS. 
FRANCO-GERMAN WAR— Contiuued. 



VII 



No. From whom and to whom. 



Date. 



80 : Mr. 'Washburue to Mr. Fish 

81 do , 

S2 I do 

83 do 

84 Mr. Ton Thile to Mr. Wash- 

bnrne. 

85 Mr. von Thile to the diplo- 
; matie corps. 

86 : Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish 

87 do 

88 ; do 

69 do 

90 ' d-> 

91 do 

92 I do 

93 do 

94 I Count Bismarck to Mr. 
I Washburne. 

95 ! do 

96 I do 

i 

97 i Mr. Washburne to Count 

Bismarck. 

98 I Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish 



«9 
100 

101 

102 

103 
104 

105 

106 

107 

108 

109 

110 

111 

112 

113 

114 

115 

116 

117 
118 



do 



Count Bismarck to Mr. 

Wa4ibarne. 
do 



Mr. Washburne to Count 

Bismarck. 
Mr. Wa.^hbiirne to Mr Fish. 
Mr. Washburue to Mr. Fish 

do 



Count Bismarck to Mr. 
Washburne. 

do 

Mr. Washburne to Count 

Bismarck. 
Mr. Favre to Mr. Washburne 



Mr. Washburne to Count 

Bismarck. 
Count Bismarck to Mr. 

Washburue. 
Count Bismarck to Mr. 

Washburne. 
Mr. Washburne to Count 

Bismarck. 
Count Bismarck to Mr. 

Washburne. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fiah. 

Connt Bismarck to Mr. 

Washburne. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 
Mr. WHshburue to Count 

Bismarck. 



1870. 
Sept. 13 

S-pt. 14 
Sept. 20 



Sept. 21 
Sept. 23 

Sept. 26 

Sept. 26 
Sept. 30 



Oct. 



Oct. 4 



Oct. 8 
Oct. 9 



Oct. 18 

Oct. 18 

Oct. 19 

Oct. 19 

Oct. 19 

Oct. 21 

Oct.- 24 

Oct. 24 
Oct. 29 

Oct. 29 

Oct. 31 

Oct. 31 
Oct. 31 

Oct. 31 

Nov. 1 

Nov. 2 
Nov. 7 

Nov. 8 



Nov 10 

Nov. 19 

Nov. 12 

Nov. 14 

Nov. 19 

Nov. 18 

Nov. 19 

Nov. 21 
Nov. 21 



Subject. 



Government to remain in Paris. Mr. Washburne 
will remain. 

Stupeiulons preparations for defense 

C<mimunication with Paris cut. Some of the dip- 
lomatic corps yone to Tours without consulta- 
tion with the other members. 

Protection of naturalized German citizens , 

Note verbala announcing the death of General 
Douai. 

Circular declaring restriction to intercourse to and 
from Pans. 

Proceedings of tlie diplomatic corps 

Mr. Wasliburne requested to accord protection to 
the consulates of Uruguay, Dominica, Costa Rica, 
Paraguay, and Venezuela. He accepts the trust. 

Visitof General Burnsideand Mrs. Forbes. Change 
of othcers in Paris. Determination of Mr. Wash- 
burne to remain in the city. 

Prussians grant passage of couriers throush the 
lines on condition tnat dispatches are subject 
to inspection. 

Same subject, action of the diplomatic corps . . . . , 

Keturn ot General Burnside with proposals for 
armistiee from Count Bismarck. Interview 
witli Mr. Favre. Probable failure of negotia- 
tions. 

Exception in favor of the United States Legation 
respecting the passage of official dispatelies 
through the Prussian lines. 

Refusal of French authorities to permit Amer- 
icans to leave Paris. 

Permission granted to Americans to pass the Ger- 
man lines on certain coaditions. 

King's messenj-er will be instructed to carry dis- 
patch-bag of the United States Legation. 

Permission granted to certain persons not French 
to pass the German lines on certain conditions. 

Protection of Germans remaining in Paris 

Protection of United States Legation extended to 

citizens of Colombia and Portugal. 
Permission granted to Americans to leave Paris .. 
Requests demand for the release of Dr. Fontaine, 

a Piussian subject. 
Grants permission to certain persons to pass the 

German lines. 
Acknowledges receipt of dispatches 

Departure of Araericannand Russians from Paris 

Incloses note from Count ttismarck as to the conse- 
quences of a larotracted defense of Paris. 

Aciempted revoluoion in Paris. Government of 
the commune. 

Permission granted to certain Italians to pass out 
of Paris. 

Proposes exchange of prisoners of war , 

Particulars of the attempted revolution. The 
movement suppressed. Rumors of an armi-itice. 

Demand of the North German Confederation for 
the restitution of six German merchant-vessels 
captured by the French. Treatment of German 
crews at Marseilles. 

Requests information respecting M. de Raynal, 
arrested by Prussian authorities. 

Reply to tho above 

Persons to whom permission is granted to leave 
Par s. 

Regrets breach of confidence of persons passing 
through military lines. 

Grants permission to twenty-six Americans to 
cross German lines. 

Difficulties attending the protection of GJ-ermans 
in France. 

Refuses to comply with certain requests for per- 
mission to leave Paris. 

Couditiim of Paris 

Further imprisonment of Germans in Paris 



VIII 



LIST OF PAPERS. 
FRANCO-GERMAN WAR— Continued. 



.From whom and to ■whom. 



Date. 



Subject. 



Mr. Pavre to Mr. "Washburne 



Mr. "Washburne to Mr. Fish. 
do 

do 

Mr. "Washburne to Count 

Bismarck. 
Mr. Pavre to Mr."Washburne 

.... do 

Mr. "Washburne to Mr. Ban- 

rroft. 
Mr. "Washburne to Mr. Pish . 

do 

Count Bismarck to Mr."Wash- 

burne. 
do 

do 

.....do 



Mr. "WashViurne to Mr. Fi-sh. 
Mr. "Washburne to Count 

Bi.omarck. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Pish 

do 



Mr. Pavre to Mr. "Washburne 

Count Bismarck to Mr. "Wash- 
burne. 
do 



Mr. "Washburne to Mr. Pish. 

Mr. Pish to Mr. "Washburne 

Mr. "Washburne to Mr. Pish 
Cdunt Bismarck to Mr. 

"Washburne. 
do 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Pish 
do 

do 

Count Bismarck to Mr. 

Washburne. 
do 

do 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Pish 



.do 



Mr. Pish to Mr. Washburne 

Mr. Washburne to Count 

Bismaick. 
Count Bi^marck to Mr. 

Wa^hliuine. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Pish 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Mr. Pish to Mr. Washburne 



1870. 
Nov. 28 



Dec. 
Dec. 



Dec. 5 

Dec. 5 

Dec. 10 

Dec. 11 

Dec. 12 

Dec. 12 

Dec. 12 

Dec. 14 

Dec. 15 

Dec. 15 

Dec. 18 



Dec. 19 
Dec. 19 

Dec. 26 

Dec. 26 
Dec. 27 

Dec. 27 

Dec. 27 
1871. 

Jan. 2 
1»70. 

Dec. 6 
1871. 

Jan. 9 

Jan. 5 

Jan. _ 9 

Jan. 9 
Jan. 16 

Jan. 16 
Jan. 16 

Jan. 19 

Jan. 23 

Jan. 23 

Jan. 25 

Jan. 24 

Jan. 26 

Jan. 27 

Jan. 30 

Jan. 30 
Jan. 30 

Peb. 4 
Peb. 5 
Peb. 8 

Peb. 18 

Peb. 18 

Peb. 21 
Peb. 24 



Transmitting list of German prisoners of war, 
and requesting similar list from Prussian Gov- 
ernment. 

Reasons for remaining in Paris 

In regard to a tax sought to be imposed by French 
authorities. 

Military condition of Paris 

Germans in French prisons 

Exchange of prisoners of war 

Requests the liberation of the Abb6 Bouquet 

Promises good offices in favor of Danish subjects. 
His own inability to leave Paris. 

French official report of the battle of Villiers 

Condition of Paris 

Desires information as to the fate of Lieutenant de 
Lorenz. 

Reply to Mr. Favre's proposal for exchange of pris- 
oners. 

Arrest of M. de Raynal 

Declines French proposal for exchange of prison- 
ers. Protests against the imprisonment of sail- 
ors of German merchant vessels. 

Condition of Paris 

Increase of destitute Germans receiving succor. .. 

The Prerch government will not collect the pro- 
posed tax. 

"Unsuccessful sortie. Condition of Paris 

Transmits package of papers found on the person 
of Adolphe Hermann, a Prussian soldier. 

Permission granted to Lord How den to leave Paris 

Violation of a iiag of truce by the French 

Military situation. Increasing calls for protection 

from destitute Germans. 
Consul Montagnie's claim 

Samefubject 

Reciprocal measures for prevention of violations 
of flags of truce. 

Accounts for late arrival of United States dis- 
patch-bag. 

Bombardment of Paris. Condition of the city 

Bombardment of Paris. Action of the diplomatic 
corps. Condition of the city. 

Protection of Germans. Expense of it 

Deiends German treatment of French civil officers. 
Case of Mr. Garceau. 

Piotests against French violation of the Geneva 
convention. 

Case of Mr. Pontaine. Ill treatment of crews of 
merchantmen. 

Transmitting correspondence with Prince Bis- 
marck anil others relatiTe to the legation die- 
patch-bag between London and Paris. 

Condition of Paris. Military operations. Begin- 
ning of the insurrection. 

Appioves his course as to taxing apartments of 
American citizens. 

Case of Mr. Fontaine and German merchant sailors 

Discretion given to distribute contents of parcel 

received by Mr. Washburne. 
Transmitting letter from Count Bismarck regard- 
ing the dispatch-bag. 

Surrender ot Paris 

Inclosing correspondence between Count Bismarck 

and the diplomatic corps on the bombardment of 

Paris. 

Further correspondence as to the disv^tch-bag 

Revictualling Paris. General resume of the siege. 
Measures tV r distributing funds subscribed in New 

York for the poor ( f Prance. 
Change in the condition of the city during the 

armistice. Speculations as to the future. 
Transmitting ctaTespondence with M. Pavre on 

the N ew "5 ork remit! ance for the poor of France. 

Political situation of Prance 

His course as to the dispatch-bag approved 



LIST OF PAPERS. 
FRANCO-GERMAN WAR— Continued. 



JX 



No. 


From ■whom and to whom. 


Date. 


Subject. Page. 


166 

167 


Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 
do 


1871. 
Feb. 28 

Mar. 1 
Mar. 2 
Mar. 3 

Mar. 6 

Mar. 8 
Mar. 9 

Mar. 11 

Mar. 15 

Mar. 17 

Mar. 17 

Mar. 17 

Mar. 18 
Mar. 18 


The treaty of peace; its proTisions; and how re- 
ceived. 


146 

148 


168 


do 




150 


169 


Mr. Washbmne to Count 

Bismarck. 
do 




151 


17n 


Action of United States consul at Marseilles re- 
specting German sailors. 


152 


171 


Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 
Mr. Ward to Mr.Waahburne . 

Mr. "Washburne to Count 

Bismarck. 
Mr. "Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

do 


152: 


172 

171 


German subjects enter Paris without permission 

and are sent to Germany. 
Germans in Paris in danger of violence r 


153 

153 


174 
17'i 


Measures for the protection of American property 
in Paris. 

Political condition of France. Spread of the insur- 
rection in Paris. 

Authorizes the payment of funds to enable Ger- 
mans to leave Paris. 

Asks Mr. "Washburne's intervention to put an end 
to excesses against Germans in the provinces. 

Inquiries as to tax imposed on Germans in Paris.. 

Promises measures for suppression of excesses 
against German soldiers. 


154 
155 


176 
177 


Count Bismarck to Mr. 
"Washburne. 


158 
158 


178 


do 


1.58 


179 


Mr. Favre to Mr. "Wash- 
burne. 


159 



THE COMMUNE. 



Mr. 'Washbnrne to Mr. Fish. 
do 



Mr. Fish to Mr. Washburne. 

Mr. "Washburne to Count 

Bismarck. 
Mr. "Washburne to Mr. Fish. 
do , 

do 

do 

Mr. "Washburne to Count 

Bismarck. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. von 

Thile. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Mr. Fish to Mr. Washburne 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 
do 

do 

do 

Mr. Washburne to Count 

Bismarck. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 
do 

Mr. von Thile to Mr. Wash- 
burne. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. von 
Thile. 

Mr. Washburne to Prince 
Bismarck. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish 

do 



S. Ex. 24- 



Mar. 19 
Mar. 20 

Mar. 21 

Mar. 22 

Mar. 23 
Mar. 24 

Mar. 25 

Mar. 27 
Mar. 29 

Mar. 30 

Mar. 30 

Mar. 30 

Mar. 31 

Apr. 1 
Apr. 2 
Apr. 3 

Apr. 4 

Apr. 6 

Apr. 8 
Apr. 9 
Apr. 11 

Apr. 13 
Apr. 14 

Apr. 17 

Apr. 18 

Apr. 20 

Apr. 20 
Apr. 23 



Rapid spread of the insurrection 

Departure of members of M. Thiers's government 
for "Versailles. Insurgents in possession of Paris. 

Cordial approval of Mr. Washburne's and Colonel 
Hofi'man's course. Appropriation for extra ex- 
penses. 

Protection of German subjects 

Incidents of the insurrection 

Mr. Washburne moves his oflScial residence to 
Versailles. Editors to be summoned for trial. 

Apathy of the government at Versailles. Condi- 
lion of Paris under the Commune. 

Communist election. Condition of affairs 

Dangers threatening Germans in Paris 

Information as to Jean Griibaud. Eeceipt of dis- 
patches. 

Provisions sent from Boston for the sufferers by 
the war. 

Proclamation of communist elections. Installa- 
tion of communist government. Condition of 
Paris. 

Government officials have left for Versailles. Mr. 
Washburne will proceed thither on the next day. 

General condition of affairs 

Condition of Paris. Engagement at Neuilly _. . 

His course in protecting the property of Ameri- 
cans approved. 

A battle between the insurgents and the Ver- 
sailles troops. Condition of Paris. 

Continued fighting. Imprisonment of the arch- 
bishop of Paris. Spread of communism. Con- 
dition of Paris. 

Thanks for the approval of his conduct 

Continued fighting. Condition of Paris 

Better treatment of Germans in Paris. Bombard- 
ment by the troops of the Versailles government. 

State of affairs - - - - 

Progress of communism. Decree for destroying 
the column in the Place Vendome. 

Further funds for needy Germans 

General alarm. Invasion of the "United States Le- 
gation. Communists indisposed to treat. 

Assistance rendered to citizens of Lorraine and 
Alsace. 

Communist election 

His efforts to secure the release of the archbishop 
of Paris. His interview with the archbishop 
in prison. 



-11 



LIST OF PAPEKS. 
THE COMMUNE— Continued. 



No. From -whoin and to wliom. Date. 



Subject. 



Page. 



208 
209 

210 
211 
212 

213 

214 

215 
216 



217 

218 

219 

220 

221 

222 

S23 
224 

225 

226 

227 

228 



229 
230 
231 

232 



Mr. "Washburne to Mr. ITisli 
do 

Mr. Fish to Mr. "Washburne 
Mr. Washbiirne to Mr. Fish 
do 

do 

.....do 

do 

do 



General Fabrice to Mr. Wash 

burne. 
do 



Mr. Washburne to General 

Fabrice. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 



.do 
.do 



Mr. Hoffman to Mr. Fish 

Mr. Washburne to Marshal 

MacMahon. 
Mr. Washburne to General 

Douai. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish . 



.do 
-do 



Mr. Washburne to Count 

Bismarck. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

Mr. Hoffman to Mr. Fish 



Mr. Washburne to Mr. von 
Thile. 



1871. 
Apr. 25 
Apr. 25 

Apr. 28 
Apr. 28 
May 2 

May 5 
May 11 

May 16 

May 19 



May 10 

May 15 

May 20 

May 22 

May 23 

May 24 

May 26 
May 25 

May 31 

May 30 

June 21 
June 15 



June 19 
June 29 
Aug. 18 

June 29 



The same subject 

Further eff jrts to protect the property and per- 
sons of American citizens. 

The claim of Albert C. Fougen 

General condition of affairs 

Arrest of Cluseret. Military condition. Dan- 
gerous condition of the archbishop of Paris. 

Military condition. Germans in Paris 

Military condition. Wrangles in the commune, 
and demoralization thereof. 

Destruction of M. Thiers's house. General con- 
dition of affairs. Outrages of the commune. 

General condition of affairs. Suppression of news- 
papers. Mr. Washburne again visits the arch- 
bishop of Paris. 

Requests inquiries be made respecting alleged ar- 
rest of two German nuns. 

Requests that the release of the nuns may be ob- 
tained. 

German nuns released and sent out of the city. 
Affairs growing worse. 

The Versailles troops enter Paris. A day of des- 
perate fighting. 

Fighting continues. Versailles troops gaining 
ground. , 

Narrative of events. Destruction of property. 
Burning of the Tuileries. Arrests. 

General condition of affairs 

Requests protection for the Prussian legation 

Same subject 

Defeat of the communists. Scenes of thelast'days 
of the commune. Visit to the archbishop of 
Paris. Account of his assassination. 

Transmits correspondence respecting the threat- 
ened invasion of Mr. Washburne's house. 

Is relieved from his duties as representative of 
German interests by the arrival of a German 
envoy. Text of letter from Prince Bi.smarok 
conveying the thanks of the Emperor of Ger- 
many to Mr. Washburne for his kindness to 
German subjects. 

The archives of the Prussian legation turned over 
to Colonel Waldersee. 

Incloses correspondence relative to the imprison- 
ment of the archbishop of Paris. 

Thanks of the Agricultural Society of the Cher 
for the aid sent from the United States to the 
farmers of that department. 

Transmits an account of funds disbursed for the 
protection of German subjects. 



189 
190 

191 
191 

192 

193 
195 

196 

199 

200 

201 

201 

202 

204 

204 

208 
209 

209 

212 

214 
214 



214 
215 
220 

221 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

No. 1. 

3Ir. WasJiburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 225.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, July 19, 1870. (Received August 3.) 
Sir: Never did tbe peace of Europe seem better assured than when 
I left Paris, two weeks ago last Saturday, in virtue of your leave of ab- 
sence, to seek health and repose at Carlsbad, in Bohemia. It was not 
till after my arrival at that remote and somewhat inaccessible point 
that matters appeared to be serious. I kept myself informed as to the 
progress of events as well as I could up to the time of the withdrawal 
of the Hohenzollern candidature. That, I supposed, would end the mat- 
ter, but, instead, threatening rumors followed, and on Saturday last, 
the 16th instant, it was apparent even from the meager intelligence we 
received that a great crisis had been reached. It seemed to be quite 
certain war between France and the North German Confederation was 
inevitable. Under such circumstances I deemed it imperative upon me 
to return at once to my post of duty. On Saturday evening I left Carls- 
bad, and after a most tiresome journey of fifty-two continuous hours by 
diligence and rail, I reached Paris last night at ten o'clock. Colonel 
Hoffman has kept you fully posted in regard to the progress of events 
since I left. The sudden aod unlooked-for breaking out of hostilities 
between two such powerful nations as France and the North German 
Confederation is a startling event. * * * ]^o human ken can meas- 
ure the consequences or the results. Great interests will be affected 
every u'here. The interests of our own country are now so interwoven 
with those of Europe that we must feel the shock. That shock has 
already been felt, and our people must be very greatly excited. I shall 
deem ic my duty, therefore, to remain at ray post and to gather all pos- 
sible information to be transmitted promptly to you for the guidance of 
our government in the face of existing events. I shall not assume the 
role of a partisan, but shall endeavor to give you facts, and I shall com- 
ment thereon without bias or prejudice. From the experience we had 
in our country during the war for the suppression of the rebellion, we 
were made familiar with the rumors, exaggerations, and the false re- 
ports which spread in time's of such great excitement. I presume that 
up to this time you have had the wildest statements circulated for stock- 
jobbing and for other purposes, and that you have had many accounts 
as to the causes of the war. I have spent much time to-day with offi- 
cial persons in a situation to know the facts, in order to be correctly 
advised in relation thereto. Upon the withdrawal of the Hohenzollern 
candidature everything was in a fair way of being accommodated. 
There is no truth in the reports concerning the indignity which the King 
of the North German Confederation offered to Benedetti, the envoy of 
France. The King of the North German Confederation himself has 
S. Ex. 24 1 



2 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

given an emphatic denial to such reports, as I myself saw yesterday at 
Cologne, in a telegraphic dispatch from Berlin, which was posted up in 
a handbill. On the night of Wednesday, the 13th, everything prom- 
ised a peaceable solution, but on Thursday morning at about two o'clock 
a dispatch was received at the foreign office in Paris, from the French 
charg6 d'affaires at Berlin, transmitting the semi-official article in Bis- 
marck's newspaper-organ, giving the North German Confederation side 
of the action of that government in the Hohenzollern affair. * * * 

On Saturday, the 16th, a special messenger was dispatched by the 
French Government to Berlin with this declaration ; and, while I am 
writing this dispatch, Count Solms, the charge d'affaires of the North 
German Confederation, has been in to say that Count Bismarck had 
telegraphed him that the notice of the declaration of war had been 
received at Berlin, and directing him to turn over the archives of the 
embassy of the North German Confederation to our legation, and to 
leave Paris immediately with the entire personnel of the embassy. They 
all leave to-morrow, and they will send here the most valuable of their 
archives, upon which I shall place the seal of this legation. A great 
many things will be left in the embassy, upon some of which the count 
desires that our seal may be placed, and that we shall have an over- 
sight of the embassy and the property left there. He requests that, in 
case there should be danger of an attack upon the Prussian embassy, I 
should put up the American flag there for its protection. I told him I 
should consult with the Duke de Gramont on Thursday next, touching 
the extent of the protection that France expected we should give to that 
embassy. Whether or not, under the assent of France, our govern- 
ment having given protection to the subjects of the North German 
Confederation in France and the archives of its embassy, would author- 
ize me to place the American flag over the embassy simply for its pro- 
tection, is a question upon which I desire to be instructed by you. 

It is not yet fully known what is to be the exact status of the South 
German States. Saxony has taken its position, and the Count de Su- 
bach, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of that country 
near the French court, has already left Paris. The charge d'affaires 
has been to me this afternoon to say that he is requested by his sov- 
ereign to ask the same protection of the United States for the citizens 
of Saxony and for the archives of that legation as has been accorded 
to the North German Confederation. I told him to make his request 
in writing and I would apply for the assent of the French Government, 
and, if accorded, I felt certain that I should be carrying out the wishes 
of my government to give the protection ; and I trust this will merit 
your approval. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



No. 2. 
WIr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

[By cable.] 

Paris, Jultj 23, 1870—10.50 a. m. 
Fish, Washington : 

Government refuses to exempt North German steamers from capture, 
except those now at sea, ignorant of war, which may enter Fi^ench port. 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 3 

No. 3. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 228.J Legation op the United States, 

Faris, July 2., 1870. (Received August 3.) 

Referring to the subject of the request made by you on the 17th in- 
stant, that I should inquire whether, in the event of war between France 
and the North' German Confederation, the North German steamers 
would be exempt from capture, I have the honor to transmit you here- 
with — 

First. A letter of Colonel Hoffman to the Duke de Gramont on this 
subject. 

Second. A translation of a reply of the Duke de Gramont to the let- 
ter of Colonel Hoffman, received the 21st instant. 

Third. A copy of the telegraphic dispatch which I yesterday trans- 
mitted to you on the receipt of the Duke de Gramont's communication. 

1 do not s'ee that I can do anything further in this matter until ad- 
vised by you. It seems to me that the difficulty would have been in a 
great measure solved if the recommendation of the President's message 
of the 15th instant, a synopsis of which we received by the telegraph, had 
been adopted by Congress. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Id closure 1.] 
Mr. Rnffman to the Duke de Gramont. 

Legation of the United States, 

Faris, July 17, 1870- 
Sir : I have the honor to transmit to your excellency a copy of a telegram I have 
just received from Mr. Fish, with the request that your excellency will favor me with 
a reply as soon as possible. 

It is probably known to your excellency that the steamers referred to do an immense 
carrying business between the United States and France. They also carry our mails 
to England and to France, to a greater extent than any other line. If they were to 
cease to run it would be a serious inconvenience to our Post-Office Department. 
I take this opportunity to renew, &c., &c. 

WICKHAil HOFFMAN. 
His Excellency the Dttke de Gramont, ^c, ifc. 



Mr, Fish to Mr. Washburne. 
[By cable.] 

Washington, July 17, 1870. 
Washburne, Faris : 

Government and people of the United States dej)end upon German steamers between 
Bremen, Hamburg, and New York for j)o.^tal communication with Europe, under 
arrangements with the United States Post Office. Inquire whether, in the event of 
war with North Germany, these steamers will be exempt from capture. Keport by 
c able. 

FISH. 



[Inclosure 2.] 

The Duke de Gramont to Mr. Hoffman. 

[Translation.] 

Paris, July — , 1870. (Received July 21, 1870.) 
Sir : The consignees of the German steamers established between Hamburg, Bre- 
men, and New York, stopping at Havre, have applied to the cabinet of Washington to 
know if they could, notwithstanding the war, continue their traffic without being ex- 



4 FRA.K CO-GERMAN WAR. 

posed to capture, and Mr. Hoffman was in consequence charged to ask of me what are, 
in this respect, the intentions of the government of the Emperor. 

My colleague, the minister of the marine, whom I have just consulted upon this 
subject, desires me, with reason, to observe that the steamers in question are enemies' 
ships, and do not find themselves in any of the conditions required in order that, after 
the opening of hostilities, they may permanently be exceptionably authorized to con- 
tinue the mercantile operations to which they are devoted. It is true that, like all 
merchant ships, they take charge of letters or of mails, the carriage of which, accord- 
ing to the federal laws, gives a right to compensation from the American treasury. 
But this compensation, whatever may be its form, cannot in any way influence the 
hostile and private character of the ship which receives it, nor consequently justify 
any exception to the general principle of the law of nations, of the character of that 
to which the telegraphic dispatoh, which Mr. Hoffman did me the honor to communi- 
cate to me on the 18th of this month, refers. 

The government of the Emperor feels, therefore, regret that it cannot resolve favor- 
ably the question put by the consignees of the Bremen and Hamburg steamers. How- 
ever, and in order to save in a certain measure the complex interests engaged in these 
ships, we are disposed to exempt from capture those among them which are actually 
at sea, and which, in ignorance of the state of war, may enter one of the ports of the 
empire. I hope that the suspension of service performed by the company of Lloyd 
and of North Germany will not have for the federal Post Office the disagreeable con- 
sequences which it appears to apprehend, as the English and French packet-boats 
from Liverpool and from Havre will not cease to keep up regular communication be- 
tween the United States and Europe. 

Receive, &c. 

GRAMONT. 

[For iticlosure 3, see preceding number.] 



5^0. 4. 

Mr. W'ashburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 231.] Legation of the United States, 

Fciris, July 22, 1870. (Received August 3.) 

Couut Solms, charge d'affaires of the IS'orth German Confederation, 
left here for Berlin on Wednesday night, after turning over to this 
legation the archives of the embassy to which he belonged. He 
expressed himself as much gratified with the courtesy which we have 
extended to him in receiving the archives of his embassy, and in 
assuming the protection of the subjects of the sovereign whom he 
represented. 

Many subjects of the North (xermau Confederacy found themselves 
here upon the formal declaration of war, and the Count left with me 
sufficient funds to pay tlie expenses of a certain number of them, who 
would be directed to call at this legation to obtain the proper authoriza- 
tion to leave the French territory. Accordingly many have presented 
themselves during the past three days to receive some proper instru- 
ment that will enable them to go out of France. I was unwilling to 
give any paper or certificate, in the nature of a visa, unless I was satis- 
tied it would be respected by the French military and civil authorities. 
I therefore went to the foreign office yesterday to state the case and to 
ascertain whether these North German subjects would be permitted to 
leave, and, if so, upon what kind of a protection, to be issued by me. I 
was there advised that it was a somewhat serious question, and that it 
would be best for me to state my object in writing. I then addressed a 
letter to the Duke de Gramont, a copy of which is herewith inclosed, 
marked A. I was promised an answer to this letter before this time; 
but now, at five o'clock p. m., it has not come, and will not in season to 
send you a translation of it by the dispatch-bag which leaves to-night 
and goes by the way of England. 



FKANCO-QERMAN WAK. i) 

I send yon also a copy of Colonel Iloffmau's letter, marked B, to the 
Duke de Gramont, in relation to the authorization of our government to 
exteud protection to North German subjects, with the assent of the 
government of His Majesty the Emperor ; also the reply of the Duke de 
Gramont thereto. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosnres.] 

A. 

Mr. Waxlthnrne to the Diil'e de Gramont. 

Legation of xitE UNrrED States, 

Paris, July 21, 1870. 

Referring to the letter of Colonel Hoffinan, of the 17th instant, to your excellency 
in relation to putting the subjects of the North German Confederation residing in French, 
territory under the protection of this legation, and the response of your excellency of 
the following day, giving the entire consent of the French Government thereto, I have 
the honor to state that quite a number of the citizens of the North German Confedera- 
tion, finding themselves in Paris at the time of the declaration of war, have applied to 
me for such protection as will enable them to leave the French territory. I have, 
therefore, now to apply to your excellency to know whether any certificate in the na- 
ture of a visa, given by me to these subjects of the North German Confederation, will 
be so far respected as to enable them to pass into the neutral territory of Belgium. I 
have to state that there will be no more than one hundred of these persons, and they 
are mostly poor men who have been necessarily detained here by reasons over which 
they had no control, and who are extremely desirous of leaving France. 

In this connection I beg leave to observe that I only desire to conform to what is 
due to the function which I have undertaken in this respect, with the assent of the 
government of His Majesty the Emperor. While, perhaps, under a strict construction 
of public law, the government of His Majesty would have the absolute right to treat 
as enemies of war all of the subjects of the North German Confederation finding them- 
selves in France after the 19th instant, yet under the modern and more humane inter- 
pretation given to that right, the government of His Majesty might deem it consistent 
with its views to permit these men to leave the territory of France within the reason- 
able time which the text-writers observe has become the usnal concession of nations 
engaged in war. 

I will thank you to advise me upon this subject at the earliest convenient moment, 
so that I can inform these men in regard to their application. If permission be granted, 
I beg to request that I may be informed of the nature of the cercificate to be given by 
me, which will be respected by the military and civil authorities of His Majesty's gov- 
ernment. "^ ■* V * ^ ■* * * 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 

His Excellency the Duke r>E Gkamont, cfc, c^c 



B. 

Mr. Hoffinan to the Dulce de Gramont. 

Legation oe the United States, 

Paris, July 17, 1670. 

I was requested by the ambassador of the North German Confederation, hefore his 
departure from Paris, to take the North German subjects residing in French territory 
under the protection of this legation. To-day I am in receipt of a telegram from my 
government authorizing me to do so, provided that it be done with the assent of His 
Majesty's government. I have the honor to apply for this assent. * * 

*^ WICKHAM HOFFMAN. 

His Excellency the Duke de Gramont, 

Minister of Foreign Jffairs. 



6 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

The Dulce de Gramont to Mr. Hoffman. 

[Translation.] 

Paris, July 18, 1870. 

I have received the letter which you did me the honor to write to me, of yesterday's 
date, in which you say you have been instructed by the cabinet at Washington to take 
under your protection the subjects of the North German Confederation residing in 
France. The government of His Majesty has no objection to your charging yourself 
with this mission, and I hasten to respond to your desire that we give to you our en- 
tire assent. *•»#•*» 

GRAMONT. 
Mr. WiCKHAM Hoffman, 

Char g^ d' Affaires, 4'C., 4'^- 



No. 5. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

[Telegram.— Received July 25, 1870, at 9.30 a. m.] 

PARIS, Ju]y 24, 1870. 
Fish, Washington : 

French Government assents to our protecting North Germans and 
Saxons. Hesse Grand-Ducale and Saxe-Coburg-Gotha also ask pro- 
tection. 

WASHBUENE. 



No. 6. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 234.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, July 26, 1870. (Received August 11.) 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of the corre- 
spondence relating to the protection of subjects of the King of Saxony 
residing in France by the Government of the United States, as follows : 
First. A translation of a communication from Baron Llittichau, charge 
d'affaires of Saxony, asking that protection may be given ; 

Second. A copy of my letter to the Duke de Gramont upon the sub- 
ject; and 

Third. A translation of a note from the foreign office, signed H. 
Desprez, giving the entire assent of the government of the Emperor to 
the protection assumed by this legation. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[luclosure 1. — Translation.] 

Baron de Liittichan to Mr. Washburne. 

Royal Legation of Saxony, 

Paris, July 20, 1870, 
Mr. Minister: The government of the King, compelled by events to recall his lega- 
tion from Paris,. earnestly desires permission to place under the protection of the lega- 
tion of the United States, pending the existence of the war that has been declared, the 
interests of Saxon subjects in France. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 7 

In couforiuity with the orders wliicb I have Just received, I have recourse to the great 
kiiidueMS of your excellency, and beg you to ialbrm me if you consent to this request of 
njy government. 

I profit by the present occasion to offer to your excellency the assurance, &c., &c., 
&c. 

DE LiJTTICHAU, 

Charge d^ Affaires. 
His Excellency Mr. Washbuhne, 

Minister of the United States, Paris. 



[luclosure 2. J 

Mr. Waslthnrne to the DuTce de Gramont. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, July 20, 1870. 
Sin : I am requested by the charge d'affaires of Saxony near the court of His Majesty 
the Emperor of the French, to take the subjects of Saxony in France under the protec- 
tion of this legation. Having received the assent of my government to take the sub- 
jects of North Germany under the protection of this legation, I have assumed that it 
would give the same protection to the subjects of Saxony, provided it should meet with 
the approval of the government of His Majesty the Emperor. 

I will thank you to communicate to me at an early moment the action of His Majesty's 
government in this regard. 

I take the present opportunity to renew, &c.. 



His Excellency the Duke de Gramont, 

Minister of Foreign Affairs. 



E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[luclosiire 3. — Trauslatioii.] 

Mr. Desprez to Mr. Washhurne. 

Paris, Julij 21, 1870. 
Sir : To respond to your letter which you have done me the honor to write to me 
under date of yesterday, I hasten to inform you that the government of the Emperor 
gives its entire assent to your assuming, during the war, the protection of Saxon citi- 
zens in France. 

Receive the assurance of the high consideration, &c., &c., &c. 
For the minister and by his authorization, «fcc., &c., &c., 

H. DESPREZ. 
Mr. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States, Paris. 



No. 7. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

Ko. 235.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, July 26, 1870. (Eeceived August 11.) 

I have the honor to inclose a copy of the correspondence bearing upon 
the protection afforded by the Government of the United States to the 
subjects of Hesse GrandDucale, resident in France, who, owing to the 
alliance formed between the Government of the North German Confed- 
eration and that of Hesse, have become the enemies of France in the 
war declared on the 19th of the present month. 
. The correspondence embraces — 

First. A translation of a letter from Count d'Enzenberg, minister rasi- 
dent of Hesse Grand-Ducale at Paris ; 



8 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

Secoud. A copy ofa letter addressed bymyselfto the Duke deGramont 
asking the assent of the government of the Emperor for such protec- 
tion ; and, 

Third. The translation of a letter from the Dake de Gramont giving the 
assent desired. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



[Inclosure 1. — Translation.] » 

Connt cV EnzenT)6rg to Mr. Washbiirne. 

Legation of Hesse Grand-Ducale, 

Paris, July 23, 1870. 
Mr. MiNiSTEK : My government having informed me of the fact of the declaration of 
war by France against the North German Confederation, of the date of July 19, cur- 
rent, the alliance under the military convention concluded between the two govern- 
ments of Hesse and the North German Confederation still exists. 

In consequence I am instructed to address your excellency without d«lay, in order 
to inform you of the desire of my government that you will take all the subjects of 
Hesse residing in Paris and in France, as well as the archieyes of the legation, under 
the protection of the United States. 

I hasten to obey this order, and I beg your excellency to be assured of the high es- 
timate which my government attaches to this protection ; and already in advance, and 
in my own name, I pray your excellency to be pleased to accept my heartfelt thanks- 
as a testimony of courtesy and international good will, and I take this occasion to re- 
new the assurances of the high consideration with which I have the honor to be, Mr, 
Minister, your excellency's humble and devoted servant, 

ENZENBERG, Minister Besident. 
His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary. 



[Inclosure 2.] 
Mr. JVaslihurne to the Duke de Gramont, 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, July 23, 1870. 

Sir : The Grand Duke of Hesse Grand-Ducale has directed Count d'Enzenberg, his^ 
minister resident near the court of His Majesty, the Emperor of the French, to address 
himself to me, with the request that the Government of the United States should per- 
mit all subjects of Hesse finding themselves in Paris or in France, together with the 
archives of Hesse Grand-Ducale, to be placed under the protection of the United States, 
I have to state to your excellency that I shall feel authorized to assume such protec- 
tion with the assent of the government of His Majesty the Emperor. I would be 
pleased, therefore, if you would advise me, at your earliest convenience, if such assent 
will be given. 

I take the present opportunity, «&c., &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 
His Excellency the Duke de Gramont, 

Minister of Foreign Affairs. , 



[Inclosure 3. — Translation.] 
The DuTce de Gramont to Mr. Washiiirne. 

Paris, July 25, 1870. 
I hasten to inform you, in answer to the letter you did me the honor to write to me 
on the 22d of this month, that the government of the Emperor gives its entire assent 
in order that jou may assume, during the war, the protection of the subjects of Hesse 
Grand-Ducale, residing in France. 

Receive the assurances of the high consideration with which I have the honor to be, 
sir, your very humble servant, 

GRAMONT, 
Mr. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States, Paris. 



FKANCC -GERMAN WAR. d 

No. 8. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 236.) Legation of the Unittd States, 

Paris, July 28, 1870. (Keceived August 11.) 

Sir : I duly received the telegraphic dispatch of Mr. Davis, of the 
25th instant, stating that General Sheridan and two staff oflScers were 
about leaving the United States on a tour of military observation, and 
wished to join the French army. I immediately addressed a note to the 
Duke de Gramont on the subject, a copy of which I send herewith, 
marked No. 1. 

I have this day received the reply of the Duke de Gramont declining 
to grant the permission asked for in behalf of General Sheridan. I in- 
close a copy of that reply, marked No. 2. 

I have also sent you a telegraphic dispatch, to-day, stating that the 
French Government declines granting the General the permission asked 
for. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



(Ill closure 1.] 
^f|•. Washhurne to the Dulce de Gramont. 

Legation of the United States, 

Fans, July 26, 1870. 

Sir : I am to-day io receipt of a telegraphic dispatch from my government, informing 
me that th(# President has authorized General Sheridan, Lieutenant-General of the 
Army of the United States, to proceed immediately to Europe on a tour of military 
observation, and with a view to visit, if permitted, the J'rench army, accompanied by 
two officers of his staff. 

I need scarcely inform your excellency that General Sheridan is one of the most dis- 
tinguished officers of our late war, and contributed very largely to the suppression of 
the rebellion. 

I should be gratified if His Majesty the Emperor should accord the permission re- 
qiested by my government in behalf of Lieutenant-General Sheridan and staff". 
I take this opportunity, «&c., &c., &c. 



His Excellency the Duke de Gramont, &c., &c , &c. 



E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Ijiclosure 2. — Translation.] 

lltv Dulce de Gramont to Mr. Washhurne. 

Paris, July 27, 1870. 

Mr. Minister: I have received the letter which you have done me the honor to 
write me, in which, announcing the early arrival in France of General Sheridan, you 
ask of me permission for him to follow the headquarters of our army. 

I find myself, with earnest regret, under the obligation to tell you that it is impos- 
sible to do that you ask from me. A recent decision adopted by the Imperial Gov- 
ernment absolutely prohibits access of all foreign officers to our army. This rule is 
applied with great rigor, and admits of no exception. If any one could be admitted, 
you cannot doubt the exception would be made in favor of the illustrious soldier, 
whose presence among our officers would have been considered bv them a real honor 
to our army. I dare to hope, Mr. Minister, that you will not misunderstand the mean- 
ing of this decision, which it is very painful to us not, to be able to depart from in the 
particular case you have submitted, when it is a question of a general officer who 
occupies the high position that General Sheridan justly does in the esteem of his fellow- 
citizens. By this fact you can form a just idea of the importance of the motives which 
compel us to this determination. 

I take this occasion, &c., «fe, 

GRAMONT. 



10 FRANCO -GERMAN WAR. 

No. 9. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 238.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, July 29, 1870. (Received August 11.) 

Eeferring to iny dispatch of the 22d instant, numbered 231, and to 
the reference therein to the question of the departure of the subjects of 
the North German Confederation from French territory, I now have the 
honor to send you the continuation of the correspondence on that sub- 
ject. It consists of — 

First. The reply of the Duke de Gramont to my letter of the 21st 
instant, marked 1, and 

Second. My rejoinder to his excellency's letter, dated the 25th instant, 
and marked 2. 

It is difficult for me to determine the precise nature and extent of the 
functions devolving upon me in virtue of the protection of the subjects 
of the North German Confederation, which I have assumed by your 
direction and with the assent of the French Government. I cannot find 
that any particular rule has been laid down to govern under such cir- 
cumstances, and I would be thankful if you could make any suggestions 
in that regard. But it must be presumed that T am to extend my good 
offices in every proper manner to such of the North German subjects as 
may call upon me for advice or protection, but guarding myself care- 
fully against any act which might be considered as inconsistent with the 
neutral position I occupy. In regard, however, to the doctrines sub- 
mitted by the Duke de Gramont, in his letter to me of the 23d instant, 
touching the departure of North German subjects from French territory, 
I considered them as differing so widely from the well-established prin- 
ciples of public law, at least as understood and acted upon in our own 
country, that I could not give them even an implied assent. Hence my 
letter to the Duke de Gramont of the 25th instant, to which I have 
already made reference herein, and which I trust may meet with your 
approbation. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure 1. — Translation.] 
The DuJce de Gramont to Mr. Washhurne. 

Paris, July 23, 1870. 

Mr. Minister : You have done me the honor to inform me that a large number of 
persons belonging to the North German Confederation have asked your good offices 
to enable them to return to their country, passing through Belgian territory, and you 
are good enough to ask me at the same time if the passports given or signed by you 
would constitute sufficient evidence to assure security in the journey to these persons. 

As you have seen, Mr. Minister, by the notice inserted in the Journal Official of the 
20th of this mouth, the government of the Emperor has decided that German citizens 
will be at liberty to continue their residence in France, and that they will enjoy the 
protection of our laws as before the war, as long as their conduct does not give any 
legitimate cause of complaint. Nothing is altered in the design of His Majesty in this 
regard. 

In regard to that which now concerns the North Germans who desire to leave the 
territory of the empire in order to return into their own country, the government of 
the Emperor is disposed to accede to the desires of those individuals who are past the 
age of active military service, reserving the right to examine each particular case as it 
is presented. Regarding the national confederates who do not find themselves in this 
situation, and who would like to leave France to respond to the summons of their gov- 



FKANCO-CiERMAN WAR. 11 

eruiueut wliicb otiUs tbtMu lawfully to returu to bear arms against us, (be govuruinent of 
tbe Emperor will not allow tbeir dejiarture. In adopting tbis line of conduct we bave 
tbe desire to reconcile, in an equitable degree, tbe considerations dne to respectable pri- 
vate interests witb tbe legitimate exigencies of a state of war. You will ])lease to ob- 
serve, sir, tbat tbe confederate Prussians, M'bose departure from our territory we prevent 
for tbe moment, can witb difficulty invoke in tbeir favor tbe general principles of tbe 
law of nations, or tbe doctrine of tbe text-writers on tbis subject. In fact, tbe German 
subjects, wbom tbe decision wbich I bave tbe bonor to inform you of concerns, cannot 
legally bo considered as simply private individuals, nor be assimilated to mercbants ; 
they are incontestably persons bound to military service as soldiers of the active army 
or of the landwehr. Now no rule of international law obliges a belligerent to allow to 
depart from bis territory subjects of the enemy, who, from tbe day of tbeir returu to 
tbeir own country, will be enrolled in the ranks to take part in the hostilities. I will 
add, in conclusion, tbat except tbe obstacle put in the way of their departure from 
France, tbe Geiman citizens in question will enjoy the most complete liberty to attend 
to tbeir business, to carry on their commerce, their industries, or their professions; in 
other words, they will be precisely on tbe same footing as those of their compatriots 
mentioned in the oflScial note of tbe 20tb of this month. 

Accept the assurances of tbe high consideration with wbich I have tbe honor to be, 
sir, jour very humble and obedient servant. 

GEAMONT. 

Mr. Washhurne, 

Jilinislei- of the Unifed Sinfcs. 



fliiclosnre 2.1 

Mj: Washbnrne to the Duke de Gramont. 

Legation of the United States, 

Parts, July 25, 1870. 

Sir : I have the bonor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency's communica- 
tion of tbe 23d, in reply to mine of the 21st, asking information in behalf of North 
German confederate subjects desiring to quit French territory. 

Your excellency's communication seems to assume the probability that more or less 
of these applicants are desirous of quitting France to answer to the summons of their 
own government to bear arms against France, under the provisions of the laws of the 
North German Confederation. Without undertaking to contest the exactness of this 
assumption, or without undertaking to inform your excellency whether any or what 
portion of these applicants are to be found outside of the present limits of liability to 
bear arms in the ranks of the Confederation in case of their return to North Germany, 
matters upon which I have not particularly informed myself, you will allow me to 
remark, in loyal fulfillment of the function tbat has been confided to me in this re- 
gard, that I was not prepared, to learn that the exception now proposed to be made 
by tbe Government of His Majesty to the disadvantage of a portion, perhaps the largest 
portion, of the applicants would be insisted on, viz, that a liability to perform military 
service in the home army constitutes a sufficient reason for the refusal of the ordinary 
privilege of quitting foreign belligerent territory, on the outbreak of a war between 
that foreign government and the home nation. If the exception stated by your ex- 
cellency is to constitute a settled principle of international comity, for I at once con- 
cede that there is no question of ahsoliite right, but only of comity or social civiliza- 
tion, involved in the decision in the case of these applicants, then I beg leave to 
suggest that the exception becomes tbe rule, and tbat the privilege of returning to 
one's own country at the outbreak of a war becomes a mere nullity; since, of what 
male subject,' of whatever age or of whatever condition of life, may it not he affirmed 
that at some time or under some circumstances he may be compelled to join 
the ranks of his country's armies in her defense ; say in some sudden or extreme 
emergency ? And is a distinction to be made between those countries which limits 
the conscription of iheir soldiers to a very restricted section of their population 
and those governments which, like Prussia, the United States, and perhaps Switzer- 
land, bring much the larger proportion of their citizens under the reach of the 
law of military service? Will your excellency allow me respectfully to suggest 
that, in tbe limited examination which I have been able to give to this subject, I find 
the line of exception now suggested to His Majesty's Government to the general 
concessions usually made in favor of foreign subjects wishing to quit belligerent ter- 
ritory an entirely new one. Even in feudal times, when the liability to do mili- 
tary duty to the sovereign lord or king w^as held in mhch greater strictness than 
at the present day, I do not find that tbe point was insisted upon of the returning 
liege being liable to become a hostile soldier. Certainly, under my own govern- 



12 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

ment, from which perhaps I borrow my prepossessions, the idea of any such dis- 
tinction seems to have been long since discarded. For as early as 1798, and when 
hostilities between the United States and France seemed imminent, probably I may 
say, in reference to the departure of French subjects from United States territory, my 
own government, by formal statute, declared that subjects of the hostile nation, who 
might wish to quit the United States on the outbreak of future hostilities, should be 
allowed "such reasonable time as may be consistent with the public safety, and 
according to the dictates of humanity and national hospitality," and " for the recovery, 
disposal, and removal of their goods and effects, and for their departure." (Laws of 
the United States, vol. 1, page 577.) Thus your excellency will observe that the 
privilege is granted in the most unrestricted terms, without allusion to a liability to 
render military aid to an enemy. I need not add that the same principle is incorpo- 
rated into various subsisting treaties of the United States, and that the highest Amer- 
ican authority on public law. Chancellor Kent, considers the principle to have become 
an established formula of modern public law. This learned publicist, I may perhaps 
he permitted to add, quotes various continental publicists, including Emerigon and 
Vattel, as upholding and ratifying the same doctrine. (Kent's Commentaries, vol. 1, 
pp. 56-59.) 

I trust that these suggestions of a liberal construction of the rights of departing 
belligerents will not be deemed inappropriate or untimely on my part, since your ex- 
cellency does not apprise me that any public notice of the qualified restraints fore- 
shadowed in your communication have yet been definitely made public, and since froni 
that liberal concession in favor of belligerent residents who do not choose to depart, 
which His Majesty's Government has published, and to which your excellency has 
alluded, I deduce an anxious desire on the part of that government to conform as much 
as possible to the mildest interpretation of the hardships of the laws of war. 

It only remains for me to say that if His Majesty's Government has definitely decided 
the question of the privilege of departing subjects of the North German Confederation 
in the limited sense which your excellency's coiumunication seems to imply, it would 
relieve me of trouble in the way of answering personal applications, if the French 
Government should deeiii it proper to make a public announcement of its determina- 
tion upon that point, or to advise me by a personal communication. I should also be 
glad to be informed if my own intervention or agency can be of any avail in enabling 
His Majesty's officials to judge of the fitness of granting the departure of those par- 
ticular applicants who may happen to be without the limits of the age of military 
service in the North German Confederation Army, and as to which you intimate that 
the French Government reserves to itself the right of judging each case as it shall 
arise. 

I take the present occasion, &c., &c., &c. 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 

His Excellency the Duke de Gramont, cj:e., ^-c. 



No. 10. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fis.Ji 

No. 239.] Legation op the United States, 

Paris, July 29, 1870. (Eeceived August 11.) 
The French Government having notified this legation that the Empe- 
ror had decided that the consular agents of the North German Confed- 
eration in France must cease to exercise their official functions, and it 
having advised me that it bad instructed the prefects of the different 
departments that the interests of the subjects of the Confederation, who 
should continue to reside in France, were, during the war, confided to 
the consular agents of the United States, I have thought proper to issue 
a circular to our consular agents, a copy of which I have the honor to 
inclose. It is issued as an auswer to many inquiries on this subject, 
addressed to me by our consuls. 
I have, «&c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



FEANCO-GERMAN WAIJ. 13 

iCiicular.l 

Lkuatiox of the United States, 

Paris, July 28, 1870. 

SiK : The logatiou of the Uiiifcecl States in France, acting under the authority of the 
State Departiueut, and with the assent of the French Government, has taken under its 
protection all subjects of the North German Confederation residing in French territory. 
The states of Saxony, Hesse Grand-Ducale, and Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, are included. 

The Government of His Majesty the Emperor, in notifying to this legation that the 
Emperor had decided that the consular agents of the North German Confederation in 
France must cease to exercise their functions, added it had informed the prefects of 
the different departments that the interests of the subjects of the Confederation, who 
should continue to reside in France, were confided, during the war, to the consular 
agents of the United States. 

Under these circumstances Mr. Washbnrne desires to state, that it will be your duty 
to give every proper assistance, consistent with the functions with which you have 
been charged, and the proper discharge of your own duties, to North German'subjects. 

If the business of any consulate of the North German Confederation should require 
it, a clerk should be furnished you to perform the clerical duties, under your direction. 
The form of your signature to any certificate should be as follows : 

Le consul des fitats-Unis d'Amerique, chargv des affaires des sujets de la Confcdera 

lion de I'AIleraagne du Nord a 

(Signature.) 

If you are requested so to do, you will take charge of the archives of the consulate 
of the North German Confederation, and give the clerk a seat in your office. 

As regards passports and vis6s, the French Government has decided that it will not 
authorize the departure from French territory of such subjects of the North German 
Confederation as owe military service to their government. 

As to those cases where such liability is alleged not to exist, they will be examined 
separately, under such regulations as may hereafter be made known. It would not be 
well, therefore, to give any subject of the North German Confederation any passport, 
or any certificate in the nature of a visd, until you shall receive some specific instruc- 
tions in this respect. 

WICKHAM HOFFMAN, 

Secretary of Legation. 



No. 11. 



Mr. Wasliburne to Mr. Fish. 

^o. 240.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, July 29, 1870. (Keceived August.ll, 1870.) 

In additiou to what I have said in the various dispatches which 
go by the bag today, I have very little to add. The Emperor left for 
the army yesterday. I send you his decree conferring on the Empress 
the title of Eegent, which appeared in the Journal Oflflciel of the 27th 
instant. 

Paris is exceedingly quiet, and there is nothing whatever in the shape 
of war news. 

The English and French journals which you receive at the State De- 
partment will advise you fully in regard to all matters connected with 
the alleged project of a treaty between France and Prussia. This affair 
has created a great sensation in the diplomatic and other circles of 
Paris. The note from the Journal Officiel on this subject, which I in- 
close, renders it evident that a scheme of alliance between France and 
Prussia was discussed at Berlin, and that some of the ideas contained 
in the published project were then suggested. This matter has gone so 
far now that it must Le probed to the very bottom. Nothing less than 
the whole truth will satisfy the public and' the nations of the earth. 
I have, &c., 

E. B, WASHBUENE. 



14 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

[Inclosure.] 

Paris, July 28, 1370. 

The Journal Officiel publishes the following important decree : 

"Napoleon, by the grace of God and the national will, Emperor of the French, to 
all whom these presents may concern, greeting : 

" Wishing to give to our well-beloved consort, the Empress, a proof of the confidence 
Tvhich we have in her, and having the intention to place ourselves at the head of the 
army, we have resolved to confer, and do hereby confer, on the Empress the title of 
Regent, to exercise the functions of that charge as soon as we shall have left our capital^, 
in conformity with our instructions and orders, as we shall have given them in the 
general directions of the service which we shall have established, and which will be 
transcribed on the book of state. Our intention is to communicate to our ministers 
the said orders and instructions, and that in no case the Empress can depart from their 
rigor, in the exercise of her functions of Regent. We desire that the Empress shall 
preside in our name over the Council of Ministers. We do not, however, intend that 
the Empress-Regent shall authorize by her signature the promulgation of any law 
other than those now pending before the senate, the legislative body, and the council 
of state, referring on that subject to the orders and instructions above mentioned. We 
order our keeper of the seals, minister of justice and public worship, to communicate 
the present letters patent to the senate, which will inscribe them on its books, and pub- 
lish them in the Bulletin des Lois. 

" Given at the palace of the Tuileries this day of 23d July, 1870. 

" NAPOLEON. 
(Countersigned) " Emile Olt.ivieh, 

; *' MivAster of Justice." 

The Journal Officiel publishes an imperial decree declaring the departments of the 
Moselle, the Haut-Rhiu, and the Bas-Rhin to be in a state of siege. A second decree 
calls into active service the 90,000 men forming the contingent of the class of 1869. A 
third appoints a committee presided over by the Empress, and consisting of seventeen 
members, among whom are the ministers of the interior, finance, war, and marine, 
for distributing the patriotic offerings made, according to the intentions of the donors. 
A fourth names General of Division Canu to be aid-de-camp to the Emperor. 

The Paris journals continue to remark on the draught of the treaty published by the 
Times, and all, without exception, seem to think that it merits but little attention. The 
Pays and PeupleFrangais declared that something of the kind was formerly proposed by 
Count de Bismarck to the Emperor, but emphatically set aside by the latter. Others 
of our contemporaries draw attention to the fact that in the wording the name of 
Prussia comes first, as is always the case with the designation and titles of the pro- 
posing party. The Constitutionnel expresses itself as follows : 

" The Times, with a rashness of judgment unworthy of so important an organ, aflSrms 
that the project of partition was proposed by France to Prussia, and, starting from that 
assumption, itseeks to excitepublic opinion in England against the Emperor Napoleon's 
government. W^ll, this time, the London newspaper has been badly served by its 
Prussian inspirers. The veracity of the statesmen of Br^rlin cannot be depended upon. 
For a long time they have been accustomed to tread under foot treaties, to deny their 
acts and their words, if such a course was useful to their designs, to disregard, in a 
word, all good faith and straightforwardness. The Fi'«nch Government has not to fear 
the broad daylight, and it does not recoil from any species of disclosure. Let every one 
know, then, that the projected Franco-Prussian treaty, published by the Times and other 
organs of Count de Bismarck, really exists ; only — and this is the essential point — it is 
the work of the federal chancellor. Does not every one remember the famous phrase 
of the Prussian minister, after Sadowa, when a question arose of compensations for 
France : ' Instead of speaking of equivalents,' he exclaimed, 'she ought to take Bel- 
gium!' That expression is the point of departure of the convention by the aid of which 
M. de Bismarck hoped to purchase the acquiescence of France in the conquest of Prus- 
sia. The Emperor's government rejected those offers, which prove that, to the Prussian 
chancellor, all means were good to obtain a sanction for his policy of violence and 
iniquity. Public opinion is therefore enlightened on this project ; it has had a fresh 
proof of the couni's cynicism, as, at the risk of a categorical denial, he has gone so far 
as to attribute to France schemes of spoliation conceived by himself. But what does 
M. de Bismarck care about denials, and what do they cost him? Did he not also dis- 
pute the affirmation of the Duke de Gramont that, in March, 1869, Count Benedetti, by 
order of the imperial government, protested against the Hohenzollern candidature, and 
that the Prussian mihisters then pledged their honor that the affair should not be 
proceeded with ? Well, MM. de Bismarck and de Thile, after having failed in their 
word of honor, aggravated their fault by a contradiction, of which we immediately 
pointed out the ambiguous character. The new circular of the minister for foreign 
affairs completely confounds the Berlin cabinet. Doubt is no longer possible when one 
has read the disi^atch of M. Benedetti, dated the Slst March, 1869 ; at that period Count 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 15 

de Bismarck had already conceived the project the realization of which has been pre- 
vented by the manly energy of the Duke de Gramont. The document lately issued by 
the minister of foreign affairs proves also that in the phase of negotiations which 
preceded the declaration of war, frankness and correct proceedings were on the side of 
the imperial government, and that subterfuges and perfidy were on that of Prussia." 

The Journal Ot'ticiel gives the subjoined explanation : 

" The Times publishes a pretended treaty between France and Prussia, having for 
object to facilitate the annexation to France of Luxembourg and Belgium, on condition 
that she should not oppose the union t>f the states of Southern Germany with the 
Northern Confederation. After the treaty of Prague some negotiatious did certainly 
take place at Berlin between Count de Bismarck and the French embassy on the sub- 
ject of a proposed alliance. Some of the ideas contained in the document inserted by 
he Times were mooted, but the French Government never had any knowledge of a plan 
drawn up in writing, and as to the proposals which may have formed the subject of 
conversation in those inrerviews they were rejected by the Emperor Napoleon. No 
one will fail to see in what interest and with what object efforts are being maJo to 
mislead public opinion in England." 



No. 12. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

JTo. 242.] Legation of the United States, 

Faris, July 29, 1870. (Received August 11, 1870.) 

Sir : I have just learned, what may be a matter of some interest to 
you, that the subjects of Bavaria, Wiirtemberg, and Baden have been 
put under the protection of the Swiss minister, Mr. Kern, during the 
war between France and Prussia. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 13. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Bancroft. 

Legation of the United States, 

Faris, August 2, 1870. 

My Dear Mr. Bancroft : I have this morning received yours of the 
27th ultimo. 

It was a kind and thoughtful suggestion of the German Government, 
and I am obliged for the friendly message. 

I am glad that you properly appreciated what would be my views on 
the subject. The functions that I have assumed will devolve much 
labor on the legation, and some additional assistance will be required, 
but I should as soon think of permitting my guest to pay for his dinner 
as to permit the German Government to be at any expense whatever in 
regard to this whole matter. I am certain that the feelings of both of 
ns will be fully shared by our government. In looking after that mat- 
ter referred to by you in your cipher dispatch, I have this moment 
learned that a concern at Liege has an order for 20,000,000 cartridges to 
go to Peru, it being alleged that " the order came through Mr. Wash- 
burne, the American minister at Paris." It is evident that there is some- 
thing foul going on, and I shall probe the matter to the bottom. 

This information is confided to me confidentially. I shall keep you 
fully advised of all proper matters. 
Yours, very trulv, 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 

Hon. George Bancroft. 



16 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

No. 14. 
Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 244,] LEaATION OF THE UNITED STATES, 

Paris, August 4, 1870. 

Sir : Mr. Bancroft wrote me from Berlin, under date of the 27tli 
ultimo, stating that, as the protection of German citizens in France 
would give much trouble, the German Government had sent for him on 
that day, and requested him to say to me that, as my own force in the 
legation would hardly be sufficient to attend to all the details of the 
business with which I would be charged, if I would employ one or more 
clerks the government of the North German Confederation would bear 
the expense. In transmitting this friendly message to me Mr. Bancroft 
said he could not doubt what would be my judgment in this matter; 
that, while I might employ the additional force necessary, he thought 
our government would not wish to have the German Government defray 
any of the expenses which might be incurred in that direction. Ger- 
many having asked our hospitality, I replied to Mr. Bancroft that I fully 
shared his views on this subject, as I had no doubt our government 
would. I stated to him that, while the functions I had assumed would 
involve much labor on the legation, and that some additional assistance 
would be required, I should as soon think of permitting my guest to 
pay for his dinner as to allow the German Government to be at any 
expense whatever in regard to matters connected with the protection 
by oar government of its subjects in Franca. 

1 desire to state that I have had to employ an additional messenger, for 
the reason that the regular oae has to be absent from the office much of 
the time, and the legation is thronged from morning to night. I have 
also been obliged to engage the services of a Prussian who was a clerk 
in the North German consulate in Paris, for it was necessary that I 
should have some man who not only spoke the German language, but 
who was somewhat familiar with the wishes and desires of the numbers 
of Prussian subjects who are constantly calling upon me for advice and 
assistance. I trust that my action in this regard may meet with your 
approval. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



No. 15. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 246.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 5, 1870. 
Sir : Since my dispatches by the bag of a week ago, no events have 
transpired here of which you have not had quite full accounts through 
the public journals, since the restrictions have been put on the press in 
France. I think it will turn out that you will have fuller information 
every day in Washington in regard to the military operations of both 
sides than we have here. American journalism carries its enterprise 
everywhere, and news will be transmitted to the United States which 
cannot be made public in France. I need not allude to the recent taking 
of Saarbruck by the French, as you will have had full accounts of it 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 17 

before this time, and from which you will be able to judge of the degree 
of importance to be attached to it. 

The past week has been an interesting one, growing out of the extraor- 
dinary agitations which have pre \ ailed over all Europe. 

The great subject of discussion here has been in regard to the proba- 
bilities of the other powers of Europe being drawn into the vortex of- 
this war. Our representatives to the different powers in Europe will 
have kept you advised in relation to the sentiments and feeling in the 
countries to which they are accredited, and I consider it useless for me 
to speculate on future events, involved, as they are, in so much doubt 
and uncertainty. It is the opinion of many of the most intelligent and 
best-informed men that it will be impossible to localize the conflict 
already inaugurated, and that we are on the eve of a grand European 
war, England and Russia joining Prussia, while Austria, Italy, and Den- 
mark will unite with France. I am not myself prepared to make any 
predictions in that regard, and do not now anticipate any great battle 
for some time to come, though one may occur any day, and in the mean 
time I believe that the powers not already involved will be strengthened 
in their purposes to maintain their neutrality. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 16. 
Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

'N'O. 248.] LEaATION OF THE UNITED STATES, 

Paris, August 5, 1870. (Received August 17, 1870.) 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a printed copy of a dis- 
patch addressed by his excellency the Duke de Gramont, minister of 
foreign affairs, to the diplomatic agents of France at foreign courts, on 
the subject of the treaty said to have been proposed by the Emperor of 
the French to the Government of the Forth German Confederacy. It 
is taken from the columns of Galignani of this day. 
I have, &c. 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure.— Translation.] 
The Duke de Gramont to the diplomatic agents of France. 

Paris, August 3. 

Monsieur : We are at. present acquainted -with the full explanation of the telegram 
addressed by Count de Bismarck to the Prussian ambassador at London, to announce 
to England the pretended secrets of which the federal chancellor stated himself to be 
the depositary. His communication adds no essential fact to those which he had ad- 
vanced. We find in it only a few additional improbabilities. We shall not reply to 
them, for public opinion has already treated as they deserved assertions which do not 
gain any authority from the audacity with which they are repeated, and we consider 
as definitively established, in spite of all contradiction, the fact that the Emperor Napo- 
leon never proposed to Prussia a treaty for taking possession of Belgium. That idea 
belongs to M. de Bismarck ; it was one of the expedients of that unscrupulous policy 
■which, we hope, is approaching its termination. 

I should therefore abstain from reverting to statements, the falsity of which is now 
manifest, had not the author of the Prussian dispatch, with a want of tact which I 
remark for the first time to such a degree in a diplomatic document, spoken of relatives 
of the Emperor as bearers of compromising messages and confidences. Whatever may 

S. Ex. 24 2 



18 FRANCO GERMAN WAR. 

be the repugnance with which I see myself forced, in order to follow the Prussian 
minister, to enter on a path contrary to my habits, I overcome that sentiment because 
my duty requires me to repel the perfidious insinuations which, directed against the 
members of the imperial family, are evidently intended to reach the Emperor himself. 

It was at Berlin that M. de Bismarck, taking the initiative of the ideas which he now 
wishes to attribute to us, addressed in the following terms the French prince, whom, 
in spite of all propriety, he at present drags into the controversy: 

"You seek," he said, " what is impossible; you wish to take the Rhenish provinces, 
which are German. Why not annex Belgium, where a people exists which has the 
same origin, the same religion, and the same language as yourselves ? I have already 
suggested tlae idea to the Emperor ; if he entertained my views, we would aid you to 
take that state. As for myself, if I was master, and was not hampered by the King'^s. 
obstinacy, it would have been already done." 

Those words of the Prussian chancellor were, so to say, repeated literally to the 
court of France by Count de Goltz. That ambassador so little attempted concealment, 
that the number of witnesses who heard him is considerable. I may add that, at the 
period of the Universal Exhibition, the overtures of Prussia were known to several 
high personages, who took note of them, and still remember them. Besides, this was 
not a mere passing idea with the count, but a well-concerted project, to which his 
ambition?! plans were attached ; and he pursued its execution with a perseverance 
thoroughly proved by his numerous excursions to France, either to Biarritz or else- 
where. He failed before the unshakable determination of the Emperor, who always 
refused to join in a policy unworthy of his integrity. 

I now leave this subject, which I have touched on for the last time, with the firm 
intention of not again reverting to it; and I come to the point, really new, in Count 
de Bismarck's dispatch : 

" I have, beside, reason to believe," he says, "that had the publication in question 
not taken place, so soon as our and the French preparations for war were complete, 
propositions would have been made to us by France jointly, and at the head of a mill- 
ion armed men, to carry out against unarmed Europe the proposals formerly made to 
us, and either before or after the first .battle to conclude peace on the basis of theBene- 
detti proposals, and at the expense of Belgium." 

The Emperor's government cannot tolerate such an assertion. In the face of Eu- 
rope, his Majesty's ministers defyM. de Bismarck to bring forward any fact whatever 
which could lead to the supposition they have manifested, directly or indirectly, by 
official channels or through secret agents, the intention to unite witli Prussia to accom- 
plish with her on Belgium the violence consummated on Hanover. 

We have not opened any negotiations with the Prussian minister, either on the sub- 
ject of Belgium or on any other matter. Far from seeking war, as we have been accused 
of doing, we begged Lord Clarendon to intervene with the federal chancellor to procure 
a reciprocal disarmament, an important mission with which his lordship, through 
friendship for France and devotedness.ro ideas of peace, consented to undertake con- 
fidentially. The following are the terms in which Count Darn, in a letter of the Ist 
February, explained the intentions of the government to the Marquis de la Valette, 
our ambassador at London : 

" It is certain that I shall not mix myself up in this affair, and that I should not ask 
England to do'so, if the question was purely and simply an ordinary proceeding and 
one of pure form, made simply to furnish M. de Bism^irckwith an occasion to express 
once more his refusal. The overture which we make is decided, serious, and positive. 

"The principal secretary of state seems to expect from Count de Bismarck a first 
movement of displeasure and ill humor. That is possible, but not certain. In that pro- 
vision we shall perhaps do well to prepare the ground so as to avoid a negative reply 
from the commencement. 

" I am convinced that time and reflection will lead the chancellor to take into serious 
consideration the proposal of England ; should he not at once reject all overtures, the 
interests of Prussia and of the whole of Germany will not be sufficient to moderate his 
resistance. He would not wish to excite against him public opinion throughout his 
country. What, in fact, would be his position if we 'deprived him of the only pretext 
behind which he can take refuge, by disarming?" 

Count de Bismarck replied first that he could not take on himself to inform the King 
of the suggestions of the British Government, and that he was sufficiently acquainted 
with the views of his sovereign to know what the impressions of William I would be. 
The King, he said, would certainly consider such a step on the part of the cabinet of 
London as the proof of a change in the dispositions of England toward Prussia. In 
fine, the federal chancellor declared that " it was impossible for Prussia to modify a 
military system so deeply rooted in the traditions of the country, which foi'med one of 
the bases of its constitution, and which was quite normal." 

Count Darn did not accept that reply as definitive, and on the 13th February wrote 
to the Marquis de la Valette as follows : 

"I hope that Lord Clarendon will not take that answer as final and will not be dis- 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 19 

fonraged. We will sborMy give liim an opportunity of returning to the cbarge, if he 
is disposed to do so, and to take np the couvorsation whieh has been interrupted with 
the federal chancellor. Our intention is, in fact, to diminish our contingent ; we should 
have reduced it considerably if we had obtained a favorable reply from Count de Bis- 
marck; we shall decrease it less, as his answer is negative, but wo shall nevertheless 
diminish it. The reductiou I shall propose will be 10,000 men. 

■ '' We shall thus be affirming by acts, which are always better than words, our inten- 
tions and our policy. Nine contingents, each reduced by 10,000 will make a total dim- 
iiuition of 90,000. That is already something ; it is a tenth of our present force, and I 
regret that I am not able to do more. The bill on the contingent will be brought for- 
ward immediately. Lord Clarendon will then have to consider whether there will be 
an advisability of representing to Connt de Bismarck that the Prussian Government is 
alone in Europe in not making any concession to the spirit of peace, and that it is thus 
placing itself in a grave situation in the midst of European isociety, because it is fur- 
nishing arms against itself to every one, including the populations crushed beneath 
the burden of the military charges it imposes on them." 

Count de Bismarck, being closely pressed, thought necessary to enter into some fresh 
explanations with Lord Clarendon. 

Those explanations, as we are acquainted with them by a letter of the Marquis de la 
Valette, dated the '2lkl February, were full of reticences. The chancellor of the Prus- 
sian Confederation, reconsidering his first resolution, had communicated to King Will- 
iam the proposal of England, but his Majesty had declined it. In support of that 
refusal the chancellor alleged the fear of an eventual alliance between Austria and the 
States of Southern Germany, and the ideas of aggrandizement which France might 
have. But he especially put forward the anxiety with which he said he was filled by 
the policy of Russia, and entered on that sxibject into private considerations on the 
court of St. Petersburg, which I prefer to pass over in silence, not wishing to repeat 
offensive insinuations. Such are the motives of refusal which Count de Bismarck 
opposed to the frank and conscientious entreaties repeatedly renewed by Lord Claren- 
don at the request of the Emperor's government. 

If, therefore, Europe has remained in arms ; if a million of men are about to come 
into collision on fields of battle, the fact can no longer be contested that the responsi- 
bility for such a state of things rests with Prussia ; for she rejected all ideas of disarm- 
ing when we made the proposal to her, and when we commenced by giving an example. 
Is not that conduct besides explained by the fact that at the same moment in which 
confiding France was diminishing her contingent, the cabinet of Berlin was organizing 
in secret the provocatory candidateship of a Prussian prince ? Whatever may be the 
calumnies invented by the federal chancellor, we have no fear ; he has lost the right of 
being believed. The public conscience of Europe and history will say that Prussia 
sought for the present war by inflicting on France, preoccupied by the development of 
her political institutions, the outrage which no proud and courageous people could 
have submitted to without deserving the contempt of the nations. 

GRAMONT. 



No. 17. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 249.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 8, 1870. (Eeceived August 24, 1870.) 
Sir : III my dispatch of Friday last, August 5, No. 246, 1 ventured the 
prediction that there would bo no great battle immediately, though quali- 
fying it in parentheses, that such a battle might occur any day. When 
writing that dispatch on Friday forenoon little did I suppose that there 
had been a very serious fight on the day before at Weissenbourg, on the 
French frontier, which had resulted in a practical defeat of the French 
army. Although the London Times of that (Friday) morning contained 
a dispatch from Berlin, giving an account of the battle, yet the French 
public were kept in utter ignorance of it until between twelve and one 
o'clock of that day, when a very brief notice of the affair was communi- 
cated to the press by the French authorities. The suppression of the 
intelligence for so long a time excited a good deal of indignation among 
the public, and the Parisian newspapers are particularly indignant that 



20 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

the London Times should have published the news six or eight hours 
before it was given to them. Things, however, passed on quietly 
enough until about noon on Saturday, when, as the report goes, a man 
in the uniform of a courier, or messenger, rode up to the front of the 
Bourse, where a large crowd had already assembled, and delivered into 
the hands of a person, who was evidently his confederate, what purported 
to be an official dispatch, and which gave an account of a great battle 
having been fought, in which the French had been victorious, taken 
forty guns, twenty-five thousand prisoners, among whom was included 
the Crown Prince. A spark of fire falling upon a magazine would 
hardly have produced a greater exi)losion. The assembled multitude 
broke out into the wildest shouts and the contents of the dispatch were 
repeated from mouth to mouth, and men ran in every direction commu- 
nicating the joyful intelligence. The people rushed into the streets; 
flags were everywhere displayed, men embraced and kissed each other, 
shedding tears of joy. Shouts, vociferations, and oaths filled the air and 
probably such a delirium was never before witnessed. Eue Richelieu, the 
Boulevards Montmartre and Italiens, and the Rue de la Paix were filled 
with people singing the Marseillaise. Everybody declared that the 
news was true; they had seen the official report; there could be no 
doubt of its correctness. Madame Sass, a distinguished ojjera singer, 
was found in the street and the crowd insisted upon her singing the 
Marseillaise from her carriage, which she sang three times amid trans- 
ports of enthusiasm. In another part of the street the multitude forced 
another distinguished singer to mount to the top of an omnibus, also to 
sing the Marseillaise. After the first furore of the enthusiasm had sub- 
sided some persons began to suggest that it would be well to inquire a 
little further into the news, and of course the result was that it proved 
to be a stupendous hoax. The songs at once ceased, the flags were 
taken in, and the victims of the canard began to feel indignant. As it 
originated at the Bourse, the cry was raised in the crowd " a la Bourse," 
and away the people went, breathing vengeance against the money- 
changers and speculators who, it is alleged, had taken advantage of the 
false report to get the benefit of a rise of about four per cent, in the 
stocks. Never were money-changers more summarily driven out of their 
temi)le. In a few moments all persons in the Bourse were expelled, 
some of whom, it is said, were thrown head and heels out of the windows 
and doors. In a short time, however, about half-past three o'clock, the 
crowd left there, greatly exasijerated at having been made victims of so 
cruel a hoax, and directed themselves towards Place Vendome, halting 
under the windows of the minister of justice. There they shouted for 
Emile Ollivier and demanded of him the closing of the Bourse from which 
the false news had emanated. M. Ollivier responded in a short and 
well-turned speech, closing by asking them to disperse, which they did. 
At about five o'clock in the afternoon a group of persons, numbering 
about three thousand, gathered in front of the ministry of justice and 
again demanded that M. Ollivier should show himself and make another 
speech, but the minister refused to do so a second time. The vocifera- 
tions thep increased every instant and hostile cries were raised against 
the minister by the multitude, who demanded the name of the author of 
the false news, and reclaimed the liberty of the press. Passing myself 
through Place Vendome at half past five o'clock, I saw this turbulent 
crowd in front of the ministry and stopped to ascertain the cause of it. 
Soon M. Ollivier made his appearance at the window and commenced a 
speech, bu^t the tumult, " noise and confusion," was so great that I could 
understand but very little from the position where I stood. It was evi- 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR, 21 

deiitly not very satisfactory, for the people did not disperse immediately, 
as he had requested, bnt began shouting in favor of the liberty of the 
press and raising hostile cries against M, OUivier. The public hold him 
responsible for the terrible severity of the press law which prevents 
them from getting any news from the army. It requires everything to 
come through official channels, and is given out at such times and in 
such measure as may suit the purposes of government. 

In the evening of Saturday, Colonel Moore, of this legation, went 
down town to watch the progress of events. At 10 o'clock he found 
Place Yendome literally crammed with both men and women, who were 
in the highest state of excitement, singing a new song called the "Press 
song," and raising menacing cries against the minister of justice. After- 
ward, large crowds of people collected in Eue de la Paix, on the Boule- 
vards, and in the Place de la Madeleine, all singing and shouting, evi- 
dently in very bad temper. They were, however, restrained from vio- 
lence by large bodies of troops, who appeared in different parts of the 
city, and I can hear of no acts of actual violence having been perpetrated. 

The official journal of yesterday (Sunday) contains a dispatch of two 
lines, dated at Metz, at 11 o'clock the evening before ; it simply says : 
"The corps of General Frossard is in retreat. There are no details." 
That was enough to inspire the greatest uneasiness and anxiety. The 
dispatch gave no indication of where the battle was fought, or what 
was the extent of the losses, while the great Paris public was tormented 
with fear and suspense. A proclamation of the Empress and the min- 
istry appeared at noon in the second edition of the official journal. 
This proclamation contained a bulletin from the Emperor, dated at Metz, 
at half past 12 o'clock Sunday a. m., announcing that Marshal Mc- 
Mahon had lost a battle, and that General Frossard had been obliged to 
retreat. Another bulletin from the Emperor, dated at Metz three hours 
later, announced that his communications with Marshal McMahon were 
interrupted, and that he had no news of him since' the day before ; and 
still another, one hour later, from headquarters at Metz, both of which 
were also contained in the proclamation to the minister of the interior, 
gave a very brief account of the battles of McMahon and Frossard, but 
said that details were wanting. It further stated that the troops were 
full of ela7i, and that the situation was not compromised, but that the 
enemy was on French territory, and a serious effort was necessary. 
Thereupon, the proclamation went on to say that in the presence of the 
grave news, the duly was clear, and that an appeal was made to the 
patriotism and energy of all ; that therefore : 

"The chambers are convoked; we will place Paris in a state of de- 
fense : to facilitate the execution of military preparation, we declare it 
in a state of siege." 

A decree of the Empress Eegent convokes the Senate and the Corps 
L6gislatif for Thursday, the 11th of August. Another decree by Her 
Majesty places the department of Seine in a state of siege. I imme- 
diately telegraphed you as follows*. 

Paris, 7th August, 1870 — 4 p. m. 

General Fiossarcl's corps beaten. Marshal McMahou defeated. His communication 
with Emperor cnt off. Paris declared in a state of siege. Legislative bodies convoked 
for 11th August. 

It is difficult to convey to you any adequate idea of the state of feel- 
ing which this extraordinary news from the battle-field, to which was 
added the declaration of tlie siege of Paris and the convocation of the 
Corps Legislatif, has created. Paris has hardly ever seen such a day 
since the time of the fi.rst revolution. The whole people seem 



22 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

paralyzed by the terrible events which have burst upon them in such 
rapid and fearful succession. The rain that was falling yesterday may 
have some influence in keeping the people from the streets, but on 
going down town in the afternoon 1 found people collected in knots 
about the Grand Hotel and on the Boulevards, reading the newspapers, 
and discussing the situation. Afterward, I saw large crowds proceed- 
ing in the rain toward the ministry of justice, in Place Yendome, which 
seems to be the objective point, owing to the hostility which appears to 
exist againt M. Ollivier. 

By a decree in the official journal of this morning, the time for the 
meeting of the legislative bodies is changed, and they are to meet to- 
morrow. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUHNE. 



No. IcS. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Bancroft. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 10, 1870. 
My Dear Colleague : I have already in two instances (and may 
do so in more, if not advised by you to the contrary), given a sort 
of passport or request to the civil and military authorities of North 
Germany that they might permit the parties named to enter German 
territory to look after wounded relatives. I do not know what rule 
that government will adopt in such cases, or whether it will permit 
Frenchmen, under any circumstances, to enter their territory ; but if 
they should in such cases as I have referred to, the papers I give will be 
the identification of the individual. 

I would be glad to be instructed at the earliest moment as to this 
matter, for I may have many such applications. Concessions of this 
kind to citizens of the French Government may perhaps aid me in my 
very difficult and trying task of protecting German subjects here in 
France. 

I am, in great haste, very truly, yours, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 
Hon. Geo. Bancroft, tfcc, cfec, &c. 

P. S. — I am literally overrun ; but I am doing all in my power to ful- 
fill my mission in a loyal and proper manner to the fullest extent allowed 
me by the French Government. 

E. B. W. 



No. 19. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 250.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 11, 1870. (Eeceived August 23.) 
Sir : Colonel Hoffman says that upon an examination of the question. 
General Dix, while minister, had considered himself obliged to give a 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 23 

kind of qualified passport to foreigners, who exhibited to him a proper 
evidence that they had declared their intention of becoming citizens of 
the United States ; and he also says he once saw sdch a passport from 
the Department of State. He had, therefore, been in the habit of giving 
passports in the ordinary form to such foreigners, except that they did 
not state that they were citizens of the United States, but only that 
they had declared their " intention of becoming citizens of the United 
States." Since the breaking out of the war, however, I examined the 
question for myself, and 1 could not find anything either in the law or 
in the last instructions of the State Department that would warrant the 
issuing of a passport to any other than a full citizen of the United 
States; but so many persons were applying to me for some sort of a 
passport who had only made their declaration of intention, that I thought 
fit to ask instructions on the subject from you by telegraph. I have 
duly received the reply of Mr. Davis, which is in accord with my own 
views ; and I shall henceforth permit no passport to be issued except 
to a full citizen of the United States. 

I send you herewith a copy of the passport used at this legation, 
showing the phraseology used by Colonel Hoffman in the passports he 
has given to persons who have applied as having declared their inten- 
tion. But three of these have been issued since the commencement of 
the war. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



No. 20. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 251. J Legation of the United States, 

Paris August 11, 1870. (Eeceived August 23.) 
Sib : I have the honor to send you herewith a copy of a letter I ad- 
dressed to the Duke de Gramont, together with the translation of his 
reply. The correspondence explains itself. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



[Inclosure.] 

Mr. Washhurne to the DuTce de Gramont. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, July 30, 1870. 
Sir : In view of the fact that I have been charged with the protection of the sub- 
jects of the North German Confederation, Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and Hesse-Grand-Du- 
cale, residents in France, certain of those subjects have called upon me and expressed 
a wish to have some kind of a certificate from me, which they think will be a protec- 
tion. I can see no objection to my giving them a proper certificate of this character ; 
but before doing so, I beg to submit for the approval of yoar excellency a form that I 
have prepared, and which I send herewith. 

I take the present opportunity, &c., &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 
His Excellency the Duke de Gramont, 

Minister of Foreign Affairs. ' 



24 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

[Inclosnre 2.] 
TheBuTce de GramonttoMr. WasJiiurne. 

[Translation.! 

Paris, August 5, 1870. 

Sir : You did me the honor to inform me on the 30th ultimo that a considerable 
number of German subjects, placed under the semi-official protection of the legation 
of the United States at Paris, had expressed to you the desire of obtaining from you a 
sort of certificate, to which they seemed to attach a certain importance as regards their 
security. You deemed it proper at the same time to forward a draught of this docu- 
ment to me, to be submitted for the approval of my department. 

I cannot understand, sir, the utility of such a certificate, the possession of which, 
you will readily perceive, will add in no respect to the security of the German sub- 
jects to whom it may be granted, provided their conduct gives no cause for complaint, 
and which would have no eifectin protecting them against the consequences to which 
they would be exposed by culpable actions. With this reservation, I will add that, in 
case you should not judge it desirable to refuse a certificate to those Germans who may 
claim it, I have no objection to make to the form in which you propose to draw it. I 
am, moreover, this moment in receipt of a notice from the minister of the interior, 
that all Germans resident in France are required to provide themselves, from compe- 
tent French authorities, with a permission to remain. This police regulation appears 
to me to render all the more unnecessary the delivery of a certificate by the legation 
of the United States. 

Accept, sir, the assurances, &c., &c., 

GRAMONT. 

Mr. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States. 



No. 21. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

[Telegram.] 

Paris, August 12, 1870. 
Fish, Washington: 

French Governmeut decides North Germans, with certain exceptions, 
quit France. Advise Prussian Government and instruct me. Impossi- 
ble for great numbers of poor to leave without pecuniary aid. 

Will Prussian Government place a credit at my disf)Osition to assist 
poor in leaving ? It seems necessary in the interest of humanity. 

WASHBURNE. 



No. 22. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 252.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 12, 1870. (Received August 23.) 

Sir : I had the honor to write you a brief unofficial letter to go by 
open mail on Tuesday last, giving you a hurried account of the opening 
of the Corps Legislatif on that day. I now send you a more particular 
and extended statement of the proceedings at that remarkable sitting. 

The president took his seat at half past 1 o'clock p. m., and at the 
appointed time the members came rapidly into the hall. The ministers 
also came in and took their places on the ministerial benches. I believe 
they were all present except General Le Boeuf, the minister of war, who 
is in the field. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 25 

As this session of the Corps Legislatif was one of the most extraor- 
dinary which has been held since the revolution of 1848, if not since the 
first revolution, I will endeavor to ^ive you some idea of it. I went at 
an early hour in order to get a good seat in the diplomatic tribune, and 
saw and heard all that took place. The Corps Legislatif may be said 
generally to be composed of men of more than ordinary ability, most of 
whom have become somewhat distinguished in one way or another. 

As a body, it is composed of older men than the members of our House 
of Representatives, and the number of deputies is about the same as we 
have in our House. Its political divisions are the "Right," the "Center," 
and the " Left"; but some go still further and class the parties not only 
as the Right, Center, and Left, but add the " Center Right" and " Cen- 
ter Left" and the " Extreme Left." The prominent deputies of the 
Extreme Right are Forcade, Pinard, Duvernois, Cassagnac, Jerome 
David, all men of ability, with more or less parliamentary experience 
and able speakers. In the Center Left there is a large number of men 
of fair ability and high character, men like Daru, Buffet, Mege, Che- 
vandier de Valdrome, and Talhonet. M. Ollivier is classed with the 
Center Left, and is the only orator of any distinction that appertains to 
that division. The real ability, the dash, the boldness, and the eloquence 
appertains to the Left. Many of these men have the qualities which 
were attributed to the Girondists and the Mountain in the National 
Convention. * * * 

I now proceed to give you an account of what took place at the open- 
ing session on Tuesday last. As the deputies filed rapidly into the hall 
the members of the Right and Center generally quietly took their seats^ 
but there was great agitation among the members of the Left. 

The president having declared the session opened, he had only read 
the formal part of the proclamation convening the legislative bodies, 
reciting, " By the grace of God and the national will. Emperor of the 
French," when many members of the Left broke out in furious exclama- 
tions, saying that they did not want any more of that, and it was some- 
time before the president could finish reading the document. After he 
had concluded he awarded the floor to Emile Ollivier, minister of jus- 
tice, who mounted the tribune and commenced developing the reasons 
why the chamber was called together. He had only said a few words, 
when he was met with the most boisterous and insulting interruptions. 
A member of the Left having cried out that the country had been com- 
promised, Jules Favre exclaimed, "Yes; by the imbecility of its (thief! 
Come down from the tribune! It is a shame!" Arago cried out that 
the public safety required that the ministers should get out of the way. 
Pelletan says : " You have lost the country, but it will save itself in 
spite of you!" 

At length Ollivier was able to conc!u<le his speech, which he read 
from a written manuscript. The floor was then given to General De 
Jean, the minister of war ad interim, who proposed a law and stated the 
reasons therefor, Jules Favre then obtained the floor and proposed 
resolutions in relation to the defense of the country, looking to the 
reorganization of the national guard. He mounted the tribune to 
speak to his resolutions. Rising to the highest point of eloquence, he 
denounced in unmeasured terms the weakness, mismanagement, and 
folly of the ministers, and the wretched manner in which the army had 
been commanded. He said that it was necessary that the Emperor 
should abandon headquarters and return to Paris, and that in order to 
save the country the chambers should take all powers into its hands,. 
He then proposed a decree providing for an executive committee of fif- 



26 FEANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

teen deputies, who should be invested with the full powers of govern- 
ment to repel foreign invasion. This proposition was received with 
yells of denunciation by the Eight, who denounced it as revolutionary 
and unconstitutional, and the president so decided. 

After Mr. Jules Favre had concluded, Granier de Cassagnac, a member 
of the Extreme Eight * * * * rushed to the tribune and his first 
words were to denounce the proposition of Favre, as the commence- 
ment of revolution. He proceeded in a strain of bitter denuncia- 
tion, amid the shouts, vociferations, and gestures of almost the entire 
Left. He accused them of hiding behind their privileges to destroy the 
government of the Emperor, who was in the face of the enemy. Here 
came interruptions, calls to order, and threats. Thirty members of the 
Left were on their feet, yelling at Cassagnac and shaking their fi^sts 
toward him, and he answered by shaking his fist at them, and, all of 
this time the members of the Eight were applauding Cassagnac, who 
finally wound up with the terrible threat that if he were a minister he 
would send the members of the Left to a military tribunal before night. 
This was followed by one of the most terrific explosions ever witnessed 
in a legislative body. All of the deputies of the Left jumped to their 
feet and raised their voices in most indignant protest. And then rose 
up the deputies of the Eight to drown the cries of the Left with their 
own vociferations. Jules Simon descended into the area in front of the 
tribune, gesticulating with vehemence, saying if they dared to send 
them to a council of war they were ready to go ; that if they wanted 
to shoot them they would find them ready. This added to the tumult. 
Nearly all the members were on their feet. The voice of Simon was 
heard above the din, " If you want violence, you shall have it." At 
this moment Estanceliu, under great excitement, cried out, "The min- 
ister of foreign affairs laughs." Jules Ferry was heard in the uproar 
to say that it was not proper "for a minister who was attempting to 

negotiate a peace, to" ', and here liis voice was lost in the tumult. 

Nearly the entire Left then started from their places and rushed to the 
area in front of the tribune, and up to the seats of the ministers; Es- 
tanceliu, Ferry, and old Garnier Pages in front. They shook their fists 
directly in the face of the minister of foreign affairs, the Duke de Gra- 
mont, who sat fixed without moving a muscle. Here the tumult 
reached its height. A hundred men were screaming at the top of their 
voices, and the president rang his bell furiously, but all to no effect. 
And then, as a signal that he had lost all control of the assembly and 
as a flag of distress, he covered himself by putting on his hat. The 
Jmissiers then rushed in and separated the contending parties, and, some 
minutes after, comparative quiet was restored. The debate continued 
for some time, but amid the greatest excitement. Finally, after a ses- 
sion of two hours, when all sides seemed wearied by the contest, the 
chamber took a recess until five o'clock. 

The first action of the chamber after it reassembled was a proposition, 
substantially expressing a want of confidence in the ministry, and the 
question was carried and fully disposed of in less time than it takes me 
to write about it, and the ministry all at once found themselves practi- 
cally out of office, not more than a dozen members rising in their favor. 
They asked leave to retire for consultation, and in a few moments 
brought in their resignations, with a statement that the Empress Eegent 
had directed the Count Palikao to form a new ministry. The chamber 
then adjourned amidst intense excitement. During all of the session 
the building in which it was held was surrounded by troops to keep 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 27 

away the crowd that had al'ssembled on the Pout de la Concorde, at the 
Place do la Concorde, and along the quays. 

In leaving the chamber I had occasion to go to the foreign office. I 
found there the gates all closed and a regiment of infantry quartered 
in the court. I returned to the legation and sent you a telegraphic dis- 
patch in regard to the doings of the Corps Legislatif, and the resignation 
of the ministry. In another dispatch, which I shall have the honor to 
address you to-day, I will give you the names of the new ministry, a 
portion of which I telegraphed on Wednesday. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNB. 



]^o. 23. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 253.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 12, 1870. (Eeceived August 23.) 

Sir: In view of the threatened, and, in some cases, the actual, maltreat- 
ment of the subjects of the powers now at war with France, I have been 
concerting measures with Mr. Kern, the Swiss minister, who is charged 
with the protection of the subjects of Bavaria and Baden, and with Mr. 
Okouneff, the Russian charge d'affaires, who is charged with the protec- 
tion of the subjects of Wiirtemburg, to secure from the French Govern- 
ment that treatment and protection to such of those subjects as find them- 
selves in France at this moment as is due under such circumstances 
to all subjects of a belligerent power. There are a great many threats, 
and occasional instances of violence, enough to inspire great terror 
among the Germans, who are coming in crowds to the legation. In all 
cases where they are pursued by threats or violence I promise them the 
protection of the American flag. The recent French defeats have 
served to imbitter still more the feelings of the French against the Ger- 
mans. 

The Figaro of the 9th instant, one of the most widely circulated jour- 
nals of Paris, contained an article demanding the immediate expulsion 
of all Germans from Paris. It proposed that all Germans who were 
able to pay their passage should be embarked at Havre in twenty-four 
hours, and that all those who had not the means of leaving should be 
put under lock and key, a proposition at once savage and disgraceful. 
That article, which was so well calculated to inspire terror, was brought 
to me at noon on the 9th instant. It was the day of the meeting of the 
Corps Legislatif, and I immediately repaired thither, with the expecta- 
tion of meeting my colleaijues, Messrs. Kern and Okouneff, and to con- 
fer with them as to what we should do. I met them both in the diplo- 
matic tribune, but before we left there we saw the ministry displaced 
and that everything was in confusion. In the state of things that ex- 
isted my colleagues thought it would be impossible to see any member of 
the government that night, and that we should have to postpone action 
till the next morning. I went myself, however, to the foreign ofi&ce and 
saw the Count Faverney, the chief of the bureau, and explained to him 
the situation of things, and asked that the French government should 
take immediate steps to secure protection to the subjects of those pow- 
ers who had been placed under my protection with the assent of the 
government of His Majesty. He said the ministry had gone out ^and 



28 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

that it was almost impossible to have auytCing doue that night ; but, 
upon my suggestion, he said he would see the prefect of police on the 
subject. 

This whole matter having assumed a still graver aspect, my colleagues 
and myself called yesterday afternoon upon M. Chevereau, the new min- 
ister of the interior, to make our representations and see what the 
French Government proposed to do in the premises. Mr. 0. was just 
going to the chamber, and it was impossible tor him to give us an audi- 
ence ; but he fixed ten o'clock this morning as the time at which he would 
see us at the ministry of the interior. On repairing thither we found he 
had been called away to a meeting of a council, and that he could not 
have an interview with us until half past six o'clock this afternoon, and, 
of course, too late for me to advise you of the result by the dispatch- 
bag, which leaves to night. In the mean time the report is rife that a 
decree is to be made, at once, expelling all Germans from Paris. I can- 
not, however, think such a thing can be possible; but if so, I shall 
communicate with you immediately by telegraph. 

#***■*** 

I have, &c., 

B. B. WA&HBURNE. 



No. 24. 
Mr. E. B. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 254.] • Legation op the United States, 

Paris, August 12, 1870. (Received August 23, 1870.) 
Sir : In the tremendous rush upon me, I have only time to send you 
the accompanying printed list of the new ministry. I was in hopes to 
have been able to give you some account of them, but it is impossible 
to do so to-day. 



I have, &c. 



E. B. WASHBURNE. 



LE NOUVEAU MINISTERE. 
Guerre : Comte Palikao. 
Int^rieur : Chevereau. 
Finances : Magne. 
Justice : Grandperret, 
Commerce : Duvernois. 
Marine : Rigault de Genouilly. 
Travaux : Jerome David. 
Affaires fitrang^res : La Tour d'Auvergne. 
Conseil d'£tat: Busson-Billaut. 
Instruction Publique : Brame, 

Le Miniature des Beaux-Arts est d6finitivement 8up{)rim6. 
On remarquera qu'il n'est pas question du Ministfere de la Maisou de I'Eiupereur. 



No. 25. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Bancroft. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 12, 1870. 
My Dear Colleague : The Duke de Gramont sent me a letter last 
night, stating that, on account of a " compromising correspondence," the 



FKANCO-GERMAN WAE. 29 

architect, the maitre Wliotel and two domestics, supposed to mean the 
concierge and his wife, in charge of the Prassian embassy, would be 
immediately expelled from France. 

I went personally quite early this morning to the embassy to advise 
the parties what was to hapi)en, and to tell them that I should send 
a person at once to take charge of the embassy when they were sent off. 

I have since procured two honest young Americans from my old 
Congressional district in Illinois to go right into the embassy and keep 
charge of it, to employ an honest and faithful concierge an A some trust- 
worthy person to have charge of the house and furniture, and in case of 
any trouble or attack, to display the American flag. 

I hope the Prussian Government will understand that I have done all 
that I can to protect their property, and that I do not presume now that 
it will be interfered with. 

I received your letter this morning, with the inclosure, about private 
property here in Paris. I hope to be able to telegrai)h in the morning. 
I learn this moment, and just as the mail closes, that there is to be an 
order of expulsion of Germans from Paris. If so, I shall endeavor by 
every proper means in my power, consistent with my position, to allevi- 
ate the hardships of such a measure, and afford all possible assistance 
to the unfortunate persons who shall become subject to it. 

I am, in great haste, very truly, your obedient servant, 

B. B. WASHBUENE. 

Hon. George Bancroft, d&c, t&c, &c. 



No. 26. 
Mr. WasJihurne to Mr. Bancroft. 

Legation of the United States, 

Faris, August 13, 1870. 
My Dear Mr. Bancroft : I have received your esteemed favor of 
the 8th instant, containing inclosure of Mr. Thile,and I immediately took 
the necessary steps to obtain the desired information without having 
recourse to official inquiry. 

All merchandise of German origin at present in the Paris warehouse 
(of course all contraband of war excepted) falling within the category 
of private property is not in any danger whatsoever, s^o far as already- 
existing laws are concerned. This is the general opinion of the mer- 
cantile community here. 

It is, of course, impossible to make any conjectures as to what laws 
may be adopted or measures taken hereafter. 
I am, very truly, yours, 



Hon. George Bancroft, <&c., &c., &c. 



E. B. WASHBUENE. 



No. 27. 
Mr. Washburne to Messrs, McKean. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris., August 17, 1870. 
Gentlemen: The maUre dlwtel of the Prussian embassy having been 
ordered out of France, I have to request that you will do me the favor to 



30 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

take possession of aud occupy the said embassy till farther orders. la 
conjunction with the concierge, I wish to cuntide the protection of the 
property to you, and in case of threatenetl violence, you will display the 
American flag. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 
James A. and John H. McKean, 

Citizens of the United States. 



No. 28. 



Mr. Hoffman to Mr. Gill. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 12, 1870. 
Dear Sir : In reply to your last letter, Mr. Washburne desires me 
to say that the French Government is about to take new steps in refer- 
ence to North Germans residing in French territory, which will probably 
result in the expulsion of the greater part of them. Mr. Washburne is 
to see the lAinister of the interior upon the subject this evening, and if 
he has anything important to communicate' to you, I will write to- 
morrow. 

Respectfully, your obedient servant, 

WICKHAM HOFFMAN, 

Secretarif of Legation. 
A. G. Gill, Esq., 

United States Consul, Bheims. 



No. 29. 



Mr. Hoffman to Mr. Gill. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 14, 1870. 
Sir : There is evidently some error in the regulations relative to the 
Germans at Eheims. Probably the new instructions had not reached 
there yesterday. 

The minister of the interior has promised us to facilitate their exit in 
every way. The slightest sort of a pass from the United States lega- 
tion or consulate — the seal, without signature, with the visa '■'■ Bon pour 
sortir de France''^ — is to be enough. We gave one hundred and seventy 
such yesterday. 

Mr. Washburne has called the minister's attention to your letter. 
General Read has returned, and I presume that, with a view to uni- 
formity in the action of the consuls in this matter, it would be well that 
you should correspond with him. 
Very truly, yours, 

WICKHAM HOFFMAN, 

Secretary of Legation. 
A. G. Gill, Esq., 

United States Consul, Bheims. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR, 31 

No. 30. 

Mr. Washhiirne to Mr. Jones. 

Legation of the United States. 

Paris, August 15, 1870. 

My Dear Minister: Please see Count d'Euzenberg, and tell him 
of the terrible condition of the subjects of the Grand Duke of Hesse, 
who are ordered to leave France. 

JDeprived of all labor, without money and without bread, threatened 
continually in their neighborhoods, and ordered to leave France, their 
condition is deplorable beyond description. Prussia has given me a large 
credit to take care of its subjects who are ordered out, and Darmstadt 
must do the same as soon as possible or her subjects will starve. The 
scenes of misery I am witnessing to-day areenougli to move the strong- 
est hearts. I am myself advancing to some subjects of Darmstadc, as I 
cannot resist the tears of the poor, half-starved women with their babies 
in their arms. 

Please lose no time in this matter. I know Count d'Bnzenberg will 
act at once and advise me. 

I write in great haste to get off my mail. 
Truly, yours, 



E. B. WASHBURNE. 



Hon. J. K. Jones. 



No. 31. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Bancroft. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 15, 1870, 

My Dear Colleague : I have the notice through Mr. Jones of the 
credit of fifty thousand thalers. It has not come too soon Sad scenes 
of misery and desolation as I have been compelled to witness today are 
enough to appal the sternest heart. 

These poor hones^ Germans have all been thrown out of work since 
the declaration of war, and many of them have used up all the means 
they had. They are now without work, without money, without 
bread, threatened in their neighborhoods, and in the greatest state 
of terror and misery. Starving women with their little children in- 
their arms fill my legation. Men gaunt with hunger and anxiety are 
awaiting with the crowd in the street. I give such persons thirty francs 
to get to the frontier, and I hope that will be enough for that purpose, 
and then the Prussian Government must take care of its children. Its 
response to my suggestion to have a credit to be applied to this purpose 
is worthy of a great nation. 

I want you to communicate with the Saxon Government, and have a 
credit here for its subjects as early as possible. 
Very truly yours, &c., &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 

Hon. Geo. Bancroft. 



32 FKANCO-GEEMAN WAR. 

No, 32. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Jones. 

LBaATION OP THE UNITED STATES, 

Paris, August 16, 1870. 
Dear CoLLEAauE : We have made arrangements to send great num- 
bers of expelled Germans into Belgium and to Herberthal, which is on 
the Prussian frontier. The train carrying these people will leave Paris 
half past ten o'clock at night and will reach Herberthal at 2 o'clock 
p. m. of the next day. You should at once see the representative of 
the Prussian Grovernment in Belgium and give him notice of this, so 
that these people can be taken care of on their arrival at Herberthal. 
Very truly, yours, 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 
Hon. J. R. Jones, 

ffec, c&c, (S;c. 



No. 33. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 267.] Legation op the United States, 

Paris, August 15, 1870, (Received August 31.) 

Sir : I have to-day received the dispatch of Mr. Davis, relative to the 
credit to be placed at my disposition by the Prussian Government in aid 
of their subjects expelled from Prance. I have also received an authori- 
tative dispatch to the effect that 50,000 thalers will be placed to my 
credit for that purpose. This credit has come none too soon. Five 
hundred subjects of the North German Confederation have been to the 
legation to-day to get their passports to leave French territory. Among 
this number have been many persons of extreme poverty, and whose 
condition was in every respect most deplorable. Since the breaking out 
of the war no Germans have been abie to get work, and the poorer 
classes have already exhausted the very little they had in store. They 
are, therefore, today without work, without money, without credit, 
without friends, without bread. Pinched with hunger, terrified by 
threats of violence, with no means of leaving the country, they have 
come to me to save them. Women with little babes in their arms, and 
women far gone in pregnancy, bathed in tears and filled with anguish, 
have come to our legation as their last hope. I feel immeasurably 
thankful that the liberality of the Prussian Government has enabled me 
to afford these poor people some relief. I gave each one 30 francs, which 
is enough to enable them to reach the German frontier, where I have 
no doubt they will be taken care of. I shall do all in my power to as- 
suage the miseries of these people whose cruel situation must challenge 
the piofoundest sympathy of every generous heart. 

You must excuse this hastily written dispatch, finished at midnight 
after a day of incessant labor. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 33 

No. 34. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 258.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 16, 1870. (Received August 31.) 
Sir : Referriug to my dispatch No. 238, bearing date the 29th ultimo, 
I uow have the honor to inclose you herewith the reply of the Duke de 
Gramont to my letter to him, dated the 25th ultimo, together with my 
rejoiuder thereto. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 

[Inclosure 1.— Translation.] 

The DuTce de Gramont to Mr. Washburne. 

Paris, August 3, 1870. 

Sir : I desired to answer sooner the letter which yon did me honor to address me the 
25th ultimo, concerning the subjects of the North German Confederation recalled to 
their country. The necessity of consulting with my colleague, the minister of the 
interior, whose province it is to organize the numerous details that relate in time of war 
to the residence of foreigners in France, and especially to that of the subjects of the 
enemy's nation, has been the only cause of this delay. 

I am to-day able to make known to you the measures taken to assure the execution 
of the resolutions of the government, of which I notified you the 23d of July; but first 
permit me to examine briefly the observations so courteously presented in your letter 
cited above, on the line of conduct that the government of the Emperor has seen fit to 
adopt under existing circumstances, in relation to a certain class of German subjects 
resident in our territory at the time of the declaration of war. 

It is not my intention to sift to the bottom the rights of belligerents toward the 
enemy's subjects. Th6 principle itself, in virtue of which the government of the 
Emperor has acted, is not to the point. You have been pleased to recognize this ; but, 
though admitting that in strict point of view our right is not contestable, it would 
seem to result from your remarks that the application that we had made of it partakes 
of those extreme consequences of the right of war which modern ideas and the progress 
of civilization disavow. 

We attach too much importance to the preservation of the sympathy of the great 
republic which you represent not to try to correct your first impression in demonstrat- 
ing that nothing in the measures adopted by the government of the Emperor is of a 
nature to make us incur the responsibility of a disregard of the laws of war, as they 
are recognized in our days. 

In ancient law, as well as in ancient custom, the subjects of the enemy residing in 
the territory were considered as prisoners upon whom could be visited all the conse- 
quences of war. 

According to the modern theory the modification of this state of things consists not 
in concedingto the subjects of the enemy an absolute right to leave the territory of the 
belligerent, but to impose upon the latter the duty of not maltreating them if it per- 
mits them to remain within its territory, and if they conduct themselves peacefully, or 
in case the government does not wish to keep them, to accord them a reasonable delay 
for leaving the country. Yon refer on this point to the fact that in 1798, that is to say 
at a moment when hostilities appeared imminent between France and the United States, 
it was ordered that the subjects of the enemy who desired to leave the United States 
were at liberty to do so. 

This objection has nothing in itself decisive, because what one law Las done under 
certain circumstances, another law can modify, if there is occasion. 

As to the passage from the celebrated juris-consut, quoted in your letter, I will first 
observe that Kent, according to the summary of his views, belongs very much more 
to the class of partisans of the rigorous doctrine; it is sufficient to remind for that in 
opposition to the greater part of modern writers, who maintain that war constitutes a 
relation between the respective states alone, Kent differs from this principle, in hold- 
ing that war is also a relation between individuals, and that war once declared, the 
subjects of one government immediately become enemies of all the subjects of the others. 

It can also be said that in the passage reproduced, Kent confines himself to men- 
tioning the opinion of Vattel without giving his own, and in calling attention in the 
following paragraphs to the fact f^at the jurisprudence of the Supreme Court of the 

S. Ex. 24 3 



34 FKANCO-GEEMAN WAK. 

United States has definitively pronounced itself formally in favor of the most rigorous 
doctrine. (Vol. I, sec. 59.) 

The most accredited German authors limit themselves to demand, as an extreme 
favor of the belligerents, to accord to the unsuspected and peaceful subjects of the 
enemy authorization to continue to reside on the territory. It is thus tbat Hefter, 
professor of the University of Berlin, after having expressed this idea, that the subjects 
of the enemy should obtain a suitable delay for leaving the territory, adds: " Circum- 
stances, nevertheless, may render necessary their provisional sequestration in order to 
prevent their making communications and carrying news or arms to the enemy." (Le 
Droit International, pp. 22G, 240.) 

Ilasthegovernmentof the Emperor done anything but apply this doctrine in the most 
moderate manner? Has it gone beyond what the laws of legitimate defense allow? 
I do not think so; and I am persuaded, sir, that you vrill share my opinion if you 
will be pleased to examine in regard to whom and in what cases the measures in ques- 
tion have been taken. First, it has been decided in principle that all Prussian subjects 
whatever residing in our territory will be permitted to remain there, and there enjoy 
the protection that our laws grant to all foreigners who respect and submit to them. 

We had no intention of adopting any other measures as regards the subjects of the 
enemy, when an incident, the gravity of which could not be mistaken, and to which 
we could not be blind without wanting in our first duties toward the country of 
•which the defense is confided to us, occurred to awaken the attention of the minister 
of war. 

Hardly had war been declared when we saw Prussian subjects, whose age called 
them to serve in the enemy's army, gather openly at the railway station, and there, 
obedient to a word of command, as if there had been a sort of recruitment practiced, 
prepare to cross the frontier. 

It was then that the government of the Emperor had to ask itself whether the favors 
that are consistent with a state of war could go so far as to allow our enemies freely 
to augment their military forces at the moment when the struggle was about to com- 
mence, and if there was no means of distinguishing between inoffensive persons and 
those whom we were liable to meet a few days later in the ranks of the combatants. 

This distinction has been made as it should be, and we have beside the conscious- 
ness of having acted within the limit of our legitimate rights in that which concerns 
those even to whom the prohibition of exit applies. Nothing is changed from our pre- 
vious resolution under the head of the security which is accorded to them if their con- 
duct does not furnish motives, based upon complaints, and without our having so far 
the idea of using against them the odious treatment inflicted upon the French recently 
expelled from Baden territory. 

To recapitulate, the following measures have been adopted regarding German sub- 
jects : 

1st. The authorization to leave France will only be accorded individually to those 
over forty years of age. 

2d. To those above that age there will be delivered by the minister of the interior 
a safe-conduct, which will be retained on the frontier by the agent in charge of the 
surveillance. 

3d. The safe-conduct being retained on the frontier, will not be submitted to the visa 
of foreign affairs. It is independent of the passports which the legation or the con- 
sulates of the United States may think proper to deliver to those interested, and those 
passports will not be subjected to the visa of the ministry of the interior nor of that 
of foreign affairs. 

4th. In case a German subject should wish to enter or return to France, the request 
should be addressed direct to the ministry of foreign afl^airs, or by the intermediary 
of the diplomatic agents. 

Accept the assurance of the high consideration with which I have the honor of being, 
sir, your very humble and very obedient servant, 

GRAMONT. 



[Inclosure. 2.] 

Mr. Washiurne to the Dulce de Gramont. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 9, 1870. 

Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 3d 

instant, in which you inform me of the decision of His Majesty's government respecting 

the granting permission to the subjects of the North German Confederation to quit 

France. 

As your excellency apprises me of the decision as a definite one. It does not become 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 35 

nie to discuss it any longer as an open question ; but inasmuch as certain observations 
of your excellency in refjard to the action of the American Government under similar 
circumstances, and to the opinion of one of its leading publicists upoa the points 
involved in discussion, seem to invite, if not to require, some further uotice on my part, 
I beg leave very brielly to say a few words in reply to those observations. I do so 
chielly because I feel contident that my government will take deep interest in the de- 
cision of the question now raised in this discussion, and because I am sure that it will 
be very desirous that its true position in regard to it should not be misunderstood. 

Yonr excellency reuiarks, in reference to the statute of the United States of the 6th 
of July, 179ri, which 1 had the honor to cite in order to show its settled practice and 
policy on this head, that the argument to be derived from it has "nothing decisive in 
it, because what one statute has ordained under certain circumstances, .another statute 
can modify, if there is occasion so to do." In reply to this suggestion permit me to call 
your excellency's attention to the fact that the law in question has now stood on the 
statute-book of the United States for more than seventy years; that it has remained 
untouched and unchanged in the particular in question during the only foreign wars 
which the United States have had during that time, viz, with Great Britain in 1812, 
and with Mexico in 1847; and that if the United States were justly committed to that 
policy in 1798, when it had only a population of 3,000,000, mostly indigenous to the 
soil, it is now infinitely mora pledged to it, when out of its population of 35,000,000 to 
40,000,000 so large a population of her citizens are of recent emigration, and when 
American citizens are to be found outside of her limits in vast nniltitudes, at any 
moment that a foreign war might arise. Could your excellency believe that under 
such circumstances my government would give its assent to a principle, or think for a 
moment of repealing a law, the elfect of which, if imitated by foreign nations, would 
be that every one of its numerous citizens in foreign parts would be liable to be 
detained in any hostile country, with whom the United States might happen to engage 
in hostilities, because all such citizens are held liable at home, as is the case, to be 
called on to do military duty ? No! I pray your excellency to consider the statute 
provision referred to, tested as it has been by a long series of years, and reiterated in 
sentiment as it has been over and over again in numerous subsequent treaties of the 
United States with other powers, as rather a fundamental, organic element of Ameri- 
can policy, than as a passing temporary ordinance which could readily yield to the 
slightest pressure of a change of circumstances. In this sense I beg to put it upon the 
same platform as the neutrality statutes of the United States, which have remained 
essentially the same, notwithstanding numerous grave crises, ever since their first 
enactment in 1793. 

Your excellency is pleased to pay the compliment to the distinguished American 
publicist Kent, whose opinion I took the liberty to cite, to sny, that in regard to 
another passage quoted "by me he limits himself to repeating the opinion of another, 
■without expressing his own. In regard to this statute, however, your excellency will 
observe that he speaks for himself of it, as ''dictated by a humane and enlightened 
policy" (vol. 1 Commentaries, p. 58) ; and I understand him to extend the same com- 
ment to English and French laws of the days of Edward III and Henry VIII of En- 
gland, and the ordinance of Charles V of France, which declared at that early day that 
"foreign merchants who should be in France at the time of declaration of war shall 
have nothing to fear, for they should have liberty to depart freely with their effects." 

Will your excellency also allow me to make, in regard to the passage wherein you 
say Chancellor Kent contents himself with citing Vattel without giving his own 
opinion, that the learned chancellor says (five lines earlier, page 56) in his own person 
that " such stipulations (as allowing foreign subjects a reasonable time after the war 
breaks out to recover and dispose of their effects, or to withdraw them) have now 
become an establishment formula in commercial treaties." If this should seem to bo 
limited to the right of the foreigner to withdraw his property only, and not Ms person, I 
beg to ask if the concession of the lesser privilege does not, a fortiori, imply that of the 
greater. How can one be supposed to be able to withdraw his goods and effects [with- 
out] withdrawing himself also? Vattel, in the passage immediately following (as do 
most of the writers on public law which I have had an opportunity to consult), puts 
the two concessions upon the same common co-ordinate basis. And since your excel- 
lency has done me the honor to refer to Vattel in connection with Kent, will you per- 
mit me to call your attention to the fact that the American commentator, in quoting 
Vattel, fails to translate into English the full force of the Swiss publicist's dictum, which 
I beg leave to characterize as one of the most forcible as well as most accurate expres- 
sions of the sentiments which I am trying to express in behalf of my government that 
can anywhere be found. With your excellency's permission, I will quote the whole 
paragraph from the original French : 

"Le souverain qui declare la guerre ne peut retenir les sujets de I'ennemi qui se 
trouvent dans ses (5tat8 au moment de la declaration non plus que leurs effets ; ils sont 
venus chez lui sur la foi publique ; en leur permettant d'entrer dans ses terres et 
d'y sojourner il leur a promis tacitement toute libert6 et toute 8ilret6 pour le retour. 



36 ' FEANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

II doit done leur marqiier un temps convenable pour se retirer avec leurs effets ; et s'ils 
Testent au del^ du terme prescrit, il est en droit de les traiter en ennemis, toutefois en 
ennemis des amis. Mais s'ils sont retenus par un emp^chement insurmontable, par 
tine maladie, if faut ni^cessairement, et par les mfimes raisons lenr accorder un juste 
d^lai. Loin de manquer k ce devoir aujourd'liui on donne plus encore k I'humanit^, et 
tr^s souvent on accorde aux strangers, sujets de I'^tat auquel on a d^clar^ Ja guerre, 
tout le teraps de mettre ordre a leurs affaires." 

These sentiments lose none of their force when it is remembered that they were 
uttered more than a century ago. 

I will only allow myself a single further observation in regard to the judicial decis- 
ion of the Supreme Court of the United States, upon which your excellency bestows 
a passing observation. When Chancellor Kent speaks of the "ancient and sterner 
rule having become definitively settled by the Supreme Court of the United States," he 
does not point his comment with his usual accuracy. It was only with reference to the 
confiscation of property, and not the detention of persons, that the American Supreme 
Court was deciding; and it was only in reference to the formula that the learned chan- 
cellor's comment was pertinent, and what I pray your excellency to observe was that 
decision. The lower court (the eminent Judge Story) had decided that British prop- 
erty found on Amei'icau territory during the war of lril2 was rightfully seized and con- 
fiscated by the United States Government, but the Supreme Court overruled this decis- 
ion, and ibeld that enemies' property was not liable to detention without a special 
statute of the United States Congress to that effect ; and I beg your excellency's atten- 
tion to the fact that the United States never have passed any such statute of confisca- 
tion apropos of a foreign war, down to this day ; and that, therefore, at the present 
moment, by the decision of the highest American tribunal, if any such war shall here- 
after break out, an enemy's property will not be liable to confiscation. As for his 
personal security, I beg leave to say that the belligerent stranger may fall back, with 
perfect security, upon the law of 1798, above commented on, and, as I believe, with 
perfect assurance that he will not see its repeal attempted, much less accomplished, 
whatever may be the pressure of a foreign war. 

I trust that your excellency will see that in this more extended reply to the commu- 
nication of the 3d instant than I intended, I have in view but the single point of rep- 
resenting, BO far as I may do, without other instructions from home, the deep interest 
which I am confident my government will take in the decision which the Government 
of France feels itself constrained by circumstances to adopt in regard to North German 
subjects, whose interests I am permitted by the comity of His Majesty to represent and 
befriend. 

1 take the present opportunity, &o., &.c., &c. 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 

His Excellency the Duke de Gramont, 

Minister of Foreign Affairs. 



No. 35. 

Mr. Washhurne to the Dulce de Gramont. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 16, 1870. 
My Dear Sir : Mr. Bancroft, the minister of the United States at 
Berlin, to whom I applied lor iulormatiou in regard to Colonel Gramont 
and others, writes as follows: " Telegraph after telegraph has been sent 
respecting Gramont and others of whom you write. As yet nothing 
known but that Gramont was wounded, and left behind at Worth. 
Every effort is making to learn more." 

I am sorry Mr. Bancroft could not give more satisfactory information 
touching your brother, but I trust you may have such information from 
other sources. 

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, 

E. B. WASHBUENJE. 
His Excellency, the Duke de Gramont. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 37 

No. 30. 

Mr. Washbume to the Messrs. Rothschild. 

Leoation of the United States, 

Faris, August 17, 1870. 

Gentlemen : I am advised that the Prussian Government will place 
at your house at my disposition a credit of fifty thousand thalers. lu 
opening such a credit I would be glad to have it done not in my name 
as an individual, but in the name of " E. B. Washburne, minister of the 
United States, charged with the protection of the subjects of the North 
German Confederation in France, pending the existing war between 
France and Prussia." 

I shall, however, sign the drafts as an individual, and in all cases 
where I want funds other than paper I shall so specify on the face of 
the drafts. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 

Messrs. Rothschild. 



No. 37. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Read. 

Legation of the United States, 

Faris, August 18, 1870. 
Sib: I beg leave to inclose a copy of the instructions given by the 
prefecture of police lo their agents: 

2rae. d^pgche du 13 d'ao<it. Les explications qne j'ai donn^es au Corps L^gislatif au 
snjet dts Prussieus, vous ont lix^ sur la port^e des mesures qu'il convient de leur ap- 
pliqner afin de rendre eocore plus facile le d6part des Prussieus et AUemauds dont la 
situation ne comj)orte pas des menagernens particuliers. 

J'ai d6cidd que nul visa d'uue autorit^ frangaise ui sera appos^ sur le passeport ou 
la pHSse qui sera d6Uvr6e par les ministres ou les consuls cliarg63 des int^rets de ces 
strangers. 

You will consider yourself, therefore, authorized to give passes to sub- 
jects of the North German Confederation, and by so doing you will re- 
lieve us very much. I inclose a form of the i)asses we give, to which 
you will merely attach the stamp of your consulate. 
I am, very truly, your obedient servant, 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 
General J. Meredith Read, 

Consul General, Faris. 



No. 38. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Schmidt. 

Legation of the United States, 

Faris, August 18, 1870. 

Antoine Schmidt: You must go again and see the director of the 
railroad. The number of people wanting to leave is so great that if I 



38 FKANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

am to continue to send them I must have an arrangement to have the 
tickets at half-price. 

Mr. Kern, the Swiss minister, tells me he has that arrangement with 
the Lyons Eailway, and with the Swiss railways, so far as regards the 
people he is sending out of the country. It is absolutely necessary for 
me to have the same or I must stop sending. I know that the French 
G'overnment will desire the railroad to make this arrangement, and it 
should include the tickets already delivered to us, although, of course, 
we shall pay full price for tickets already delivered if they insist. 
Yours, 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



No. 39. 

•Mr. Schmidt to Mr. Washburne. 

Paris, August 18, 1870. 
Sir : Immediately on receipt of your letter of to-day, I went to the 
director of the Northern Railroad and showed him the letter which your 
excellency addressed to me. His answer was that you should apply to 
the minister of the interior to obtain a letter from him requesting the 
Northern Eailroad Company to agree to your request to let you have 
tickets at half-price to send home the poor people of the North German 
Confederation, as they have to leave France by order of the French 
Government. 

After having reported verbally these facts, I went to the minister 
of the interior, and after a short explanation upon the subject I ob- 
tained the letter requested for the Northern Eailroad Company to 
give me full power to obtain the reduction of the tickets to half-prices. 
I respectfully request your excellency to write a letter on the subject to 
the same company. 

Very respectfully, I remain, vour most obedient servant, 

A. SCHMIDT. 
His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States, charged 

icith the affairs of the l^orth German Confederation. 



No. 40. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 261.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 19, 1870. 
Sir : I am to-day in receipt of a communication from the minister of 
foreign affairs, inclosing two official copies of the notification of the 
blockade of the North German coast by the French fleet. I am re- 
quested by the Prince de la Tour d'Auvergne to transmit this notifica- 
tion to my government, in order that it may communicate the informa- 
tion to American citizens. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 39 

rinclo3ure.— Extract from the Journal Offlciel do I'Erapir?, August 17, 1870.] 
OiaaCIAL PART, MINISTRY OF FOREIGX AFFAIRS. 

Notification of the blockade of the coast of Prussia and of the German States in the 

North Sea. 

Wo, the undersigned, vice-admiral comnianding-in-chief the naval forces of His 
Majesty the Eiuperor of the French in the North Sea, in consideration of the state of 
■war existing between France and Prussia, together with the states of the North Ger- 
man Confederation, actiug in virtue of the powers belonging to ns, declare that from 
the 15th of August, 1870, the coast of Prussia and of the North German Confederation, 
extending from the island of the Baltram north of the Eider, with its ports, rivers, 
harbors, roads, and creeks, is held in a state of effective blockade by the naval forces 
placed under our command, and that a delay of ten days will be granted to friendly or 
neutral vessels in order to finish loading and to leave the blockaded districts. 

The geographical limits of this blockade are : 

The meridian of 5° (five degrees) of east longitude from Paris, as far as the parallel 
of 54*^ 5' (fifty-four degrees five minutes) north latitude. 

The parallel as far as the longitude of 5° 45' (five degrees forty-five minutes) from 
Paris. 

Then the meridian of 5° 45' (five degrees forty-five minutes) as far as the parallel of 
54° 20' (fifty-four degrees twenty minutes) of latitude. 

And, fioally, this latter parallel as far as the coast. 

Steps ■^ill be taken against any vessel which may endeavor to violate the said block- 
ade, in accordance with international law and the treaties now in force with neutral 
powers. 

On board of the Magnanime, an iron-clad frigate of His Majesty the Emperor of the 
French, stationed between the English island of Heligoland and the Prussian coast. 

The vice-admiral commauding-in-chief. 

FOURICHON. 

August 12, 1870. 



No. 41. 

Mr. Hoffman to Mr. Read. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris^ August 20, 1870. 
General: Mr. Wasbburne desires that you will instruct our consuls 
in the different sea-ports of the empire to keep a sharp lookout for all 
German vessels loaded for American account which may be captured 
by French cruisers and brought into port. They should advise you im- 
mediately, and you will please advise Mr. Washburne. 

Your attention is particularly called to the following vessels which, 
sailed from German ports, loaded with lead for account of American 
owners, and bound to the United States. It is believed that they have 
all escaped, but the arrival of some of them out has not yet been re- 
ported. 

I am, &c., 

WICKHAM HOFFMAN, 

Secretary of Legation. 
General Read, 

Consul-Generalof the United StaieSj Paris. 



40 FEANCO-GEEMAN WAR. 

E"o. 42. 

Mr. WasJihurne to Mr. Jones. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 20, 1870. 
Sm: We are sending tlie Germans from Paris to the German frontier 
at Huberthal, passing over the Belgian Eailroad. The full fare, third- 
class, clear through, is 22 francs. The Chemin de fer du Nord here has 
now agreed to take half-fare, and they have requested me to apply 
through you to have the same reduction made by the Belgian Eailroad, 
and they have no doubt it will be readily conceded. Will you, there- 
fore, take immediate steps to accomplish this. The whole fare is divided 
as follows : 



Francs. 

French , 14.85 

Belgian 7. 15 



Franca. 

Half Frencli fare 7.45 

Half Belgian fare 3. 55 



22.00 

Eleven francs, which is half-fare, whole distance. 
Yours, truly, 

E. B. WASHBUENE, 
Hon. J. E. Jones, 

Minister United States, Brussels. 



11.00 



No. 43. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Conneau. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 20, 1870. 
Sir : I have been informed that some persons at St. Gratien, near 
Enghein les Bains, have menaced the property of Mr. Bamberg, consul- 
general of the North German Confederation. As the government of 
His Majesty the Emperor has assured me that the property of the Ger- 
man ofticials should be protected during their absence, I beg you will 
have the kindness to take the necessary measures to protect the prop- 
erty of Mr. Bamberg. 
Eeceive, sir, the assurance of my highest consideration. 

E. B. WASHBUENE, 
Charged ivitli the 'protection of the §ubjects 

of North Germany in Prance. 
Monsieur C. Conneatj, 

Prefect de Seine and Oise. 



No. 44. 
Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 266.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 22, 1870. (Eeceived September 8.) 
Sir; In my dispatch No. 253, and dated the 12th instant, I spoke of 
an interview which was to be had that evening by Mr. Kern, the Swiss 
minister, Mr. Okouneff, the Eussian charge d'affaires, and myself, with 



FEANCO- GERMAN WAR. 41 

M. Clievereau, minister of the interior, on the subject of the protection of 
the subjects of the powers at war with France. 

I will now endeavor to give you a connected narration of what has 
taken place in regard to this matter since the date of my dispatch above 
alluded to. 

On the 12th instant, at G.30 i). m., Mr. Kern, Mr. Okouneff, and myself 
had the interview with the minister of the interior of which I spoke in 
my dispatcli No. 253. Between the time the interview was arranged 
w'ith M. Chevereau and the time it actually took place the subject of the 
exi)alsion of the Germans from Paris had been up in the Corps Legislatif, 
and for a full understanding of what was said and done there I send you 
a translation of the material part of the debate, marked No. 1, as copied 
from the official journal. I would call your attention to the language 
made use of in this debate by the minister of the interior, M. Chevereau. 
He speaks of all measures taken to expel [eximlser] the foreigners in 
Paris. I alluded to this for the reason that Mr. Davis had requested in 
his telegraphic dispatch that the word ^^dejparture^^ should be substi- 
tuted for the word " expulsion.''^ 

Calling upon M. Chevereau, at the ministry of the interior, at the ap- 
pointed hour, Mr. Kern, as being the senior minister here, stated to him 
the subject upon which we had desired to see him, and explained our po- 
sitions in the matter. M. Chevereau remarked that when he came into 
office he found that the preceding ministry had, in view of the circum- 
stances at the time, adopted the policy of refusing to allow Prussians to 
leave France, and had made certain provisions regulating their residence. 
The circumstances had, however, changed, and he found himself in the 
face of regulations which had no longer any " raison WetreP The gov- 
ernment had, therefore, determined, with the view of both relieving 
itself from the presence, in the heart of the capital, of some forty thou- 
sand Prussians, and at the same time for the purpose of protecting 
them from the excited population of Paris, to order them in the most 
humane mode to leave the country. He was urged to do this in order to 
answer the interpellations of the Corps L6gislatif and the general expres- 
sion of public opinion as found in the journals of Paris. After a general 
conversation as to the effect of such action on the German population, 
and the hardships and misery which would result therefrom, Mr. C. said 
he was prepared in every way to mitigate as far as he could the harshness 
cf the order, and that he would take pleasure in making the exceptions as 
numerous as possible; that any persons who could be recommended by 
respectable parties in their neighborhood, or who would be indorsed by 
the legations of Eussia, the United States, and Switzerland, he would 
cheerfully allow to remain unmolested. At the same time, in view of 
the excited state of the population of Paris, he advised all who could 
get off to leave at once. He would endeavor to remove all difficulties 
in the way of departure and to make the formalities as few as possible. 
At my own suggestion he promised to ascertain from the prefecture of 
police whether it would be possible to dispense with the police visa of 
that office on the passports of Germans wishing to leave, and, in concert 
■with the prefect, he would devise some expeditious mode by which the 
Germans could leave France on the simple visa of the different legations 
charged with their protection. At my -further suggestion, he promised 
to send immediate orders to the French police agents on'the frontier 
not to molest the Germans who had started to leave the country, even 
if their papers had not a proper visa. I then told the minister that I 
had received very recent information from the American consul at 
Eheims of the ill-treatment to which the German residents in that vicin- 



42 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

ity had been subjected. He gave orders that the prefect should be im- 
mediately telegraphed to consult with the American consul there, and 
to afford every protection possible, and also to authorize our consul to 
give them passes to leave the country. In conclusion, the minister said 
he should be glad to place himself entirely at the disposition of the 
representatives of Eussia, the United States, and Switzerland, with the 
view of aiding them in removing the difficulties which he understood 
must surround the position of the different peoples under their protec- 
tion. 

At quite an early hour the next morning Mr. Erian, one of the under 
secretaries of the ministry, called at the legation to state that it had 
been arranged with the police authorities that all of the people under 
my protection could leave France upon the simple visa of my legation, 
a form of which he gave. 

As I stated in my dispatch InTo. 257, under date of the 15th instant, 
we have been giving these visas in great numbers, as well as furnishing 
pecuniary assistance to a smaller number in order to enable them to 
leave French territory. 

I had the honor to receive on the 17th instant the telegraphic dis- 
patch of Mr. Davis, containing the approval of my action in suggesting, 
a credit to be placed at my disposition by the Prussian government to 
aid in removal of their poor from Paris, advising me that such a credit 
had been given, and instructing me to do what I could, consistent with 
public law and the position of our country as a nsntral, to mitigate the 
severity of the order of '•'■expulsion.''^ I also received, the day after, the 
telegraphic dispatch submitting the word ^'' departure''^ for the word 
^^ expulsion,^^ which I have above alluded to. 

Though I had left nothing undone in respect of the instructions con- 
tained in the telegraphic dispatch of Mr. Davis above alluded to, I lost 
no time in seeking an interview with the Prince de la Tour d'Auvergne 
on the subject. After conversing in relation to some minor matters, I 
told the prince that the principal object for which I had sought an inter- 
view witli him had relation to the position in which I found myself as 
charged with the protection of the subjects of several of the powers 
with which France was at war. I stated that the sudden determination 
of the French Government in regard to the departure of the Germans 
from France had taken me by surprise, and I wanted to know if it were 
not possible for his Majesty's government to change their determina- 
tion in that matter. I explained to him the great distress and hardship 
it inflicted on thousands of peaceable, innocent, and inoffensive men, 
women, and children of the laboring classes, most of whom were very 
poor, and who came in great crowds to our legation seeking their passes 
and the means of getting out of France. 

The minister remarked in reply that on his way from Vienna he first 
heard of this matter and had conceived great doubts as to the propriety 
of the measure, and on his arrival at Paris had so expressed himself to 
the Empress Eegent and to the minister of interior. He had, however, 
yielded his first impressions upon the representations made to him by 
his colleague, the minister of the interior, that this measure, harsh as 
it was, was dictated by the pressure of circumstances; that the govern- 
ment could pot without great concern contemplate the fact of such vast 
numbers, of Prussians (estimated at forty thousand) residing in their 
midst; and that their apprehensions had become excited by the ma- 
neuvers of certain Prussians whose presence in Paris was dangerous in 
the highest degree ; that the French population had reached a state of • 
excitement on the subject of the residence of so many Prussians in the 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 43 

heart of the capital which rendered it unsafe for the latter, and placed 
the government under tlie obligation of requiring their departure for 
their own sake as a measure of liumanity, and in view of their protec- 
tion, that the government was perfectly willing and anxious to mitigate 
the hardship of their decree by making any exceptions in favor of per- 
sons recommended by the respectable citizens of the neighborhood, and 
especially in favor of any persons that the legation of the United States 
might designate as worthy of their protection. I remarked in reply to 
his excellency that I had received the same assurance from his colleague, 
the minister of the interior, who had manifested every disposition to do 
all in his power to mitigate the severity of the order. I told him that 
ray position had become somewhat embarrassing, and that the difii- 
culties, so far from diminishing, were on the increase; and that out of 
the mass of the Germans in Paris under my protection it was imj)ossible 
for me to pass upon the separate cases of those who might desire to 
remain ; and even if I could pass on them, yet by reason of the under- 
standing that the order of departure was general, many unobjection- 
able persons, who would have been desirous of remaining in Paris and 
following their ordinary pursuits, considered themselves as beingobliged 
to leave. 

I said further that in carrying out the wishes and instructions of my 
government, I wished in the name of humanity to make an earnest ap- 
peal to the French Government, through him, to revoke the order if it 
should be considered possible; and if that could not be done, to so 
modify it as to permit the larger class of Germans in Paris to remain, 
whose conduct could give no possible cause of complaint to the French 
Government. His excellency then called my attention to the fact that 
the order of expulsion of all French subjects from Prussia having been 
issued by the Prussian Government, no complaint could, strictly speak- 
ing, be made here against the French order, but that out of considera- 
tion for my position he was willing to entertain the subject. At the 
same time he stated that the French order had not been made in con- 
sequence of the order of the Prussian Government as a retaliatory 
measure, but for the reasons he had already suggested. I then stated 
that I was surprised to hear him remark that the Prussian Government 
had made an order of expulsion against French subjects, and was 
hardly prepared to credit it, unless he had positive knowledge that such 
was the fact. In confirmation of my belief I stated that I had read a 
telegraphic dispatch purporting to be an extract from a Berlin paper, 
which, referring to the expulsion of the Germans from France, expressly 
declared that the French subjects would not be expelled from Prussia, 
but would be placed under the protection of the Prussian Government. 
In reply to these suggestions of my own, his excellency stated that he 
had no official knowledge of the Prussian order of expulsion, but that 
he understood the minister of interior as stating it as a fact which he 
had taken for granted in his discussion of the matter with him. He 
further remarked in this connection that he had personal knowledge of 
the arrest and imprisonment, under very aggravating circumstances, of 
French consular agents, who had sought his protection in Vienna, and 
whose cases were stamped with peculiar hardships. In concluding the 
conversation his excellency requested me to address him a written com- 
munication embodying my views on the subject, and stating that he 
would take great pleasure in using his influence to procure them a 
favorable reception, with a view, if possible, of bringing about some 
substantial modification of the order. In accordance with such request 



44 . FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

I addressed bis excellency a communicatiou, a copy of which I herewith 
trans nit, marked 2. 

In continuing this narrative of events, I have the honor further to 
state that the question of the expulsion of the Germans having again 
been up in the Corps Legislatif on Thursday last, and a report having 
been made to that body (which was, however, referred to the minister 
of the interior), recommending the expulsion, without exception and with- 
out reserve, of all of the subjects of all the powers at war with France, 
Mr. Kern and myself sought another interview on the subject with Mr. 
Chevereau, the minister of the interior, on Friday last. Mr. C. said he 
was aware that the report had been made to the Chamber, but that the 
matter was substantially in his own hands, and that there would be no 
aggravation of the measures which had already been taken. Mr. Kern, 
for himself, as well as on my behalf, explained to the minister the situ- 
ation of matters, as then existing, so far as regarded the people with 
whose protection we were respectively charged, and the afflicting cases 
of hardship and suffering which we were continually compelled to wit- 
ness at our legations. M. Chevereau replied that he could fully appre- 
ciate all that was said, but that the situation was the result of circum- 
stances which could not be controlled ; that the hostility of the people 
of Paris toward the Prussians had become intense, and that it was a 
matter of the safety of these people, as well as for other reasons, that 
they should depart as fast as possible. As a remote possibility the 
government might have to consider the effect of a siege of Paris, and 
in that event the city would be defended to the last. In the event of a 
siege, though scarcely possible, the situation of the Prussians then 
in iParis would be deplorable beyond ^. description ; and simply as a 
measure of humanity, he thought they ought to leave at a time when 
they were able to get away and reach their own country. He expressed 
his determination to do everything to moderate the hostility of the 
Parisians toward the Germans, and to have them protected while they 
remained here. He also reiterated his wish to do everything in his 
l^ower to facilitate their departure, and to alleviate, as far as possible, 
the hardships which the state of war had produced in that regard. Mr. 
Kern and myself both explained to him that it was impossible to make 
separate applications for those who wanted the permission of the gov- 
ernment to remain in Paris, and that when people who came to us to 
ask our advice on the question, and who represented themselves as 
peaceable persons, long resident in Paris, and engaged in business 
which they could not leave without great sacrifices, we had advised 
them to remain, quietly attending to their affairs and giving no cause 
of complaint to the government, until they should have special notifi- 
cation to leave, when they should apply to us. Mr, Chevereau fully as- 
sented to that course and said there was a large class of such people 
whom the government had no wish to drive away. In closing the in- 
terview, Mr. Kern, in speaking for us both, said that " in making these 
representations in the name of the interests of the Germans whose pro- 
tection is confided to us, it is well understood that the governments of 
the German States may urge in the future all the rights which might 
result from the measures taken against their subjects in France." 

Such is substantially what has taken place up to this time touching 
the expulsion of the German population from France. I shall endeavor 
to keep you fully advised of what may occur in the future. 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 45 

[Inclosure 1.1 
Debate in the Corps L^gialatif on the expulsion of the Germans from France, August 12, 1870. 

The question of the expulsion of subjects of the powers at war with France came up 
in the Corps L6gislatif, iu the sitting of the 12th instant, in the nature of an inter- 
pellation by M. Terme, I quote from the debate as it appears in the official journal 
of the 13th instant: 

" Mr. TeriME. I demand the floor. I wish to interrogate the minister of the interior 
upon the measure he has taken, or proposes taking, in relation to the foreigners who 
belong to the powers with which we are in war, and who now reside in France. 
Grave facts have been signalized. They have caused considerable emotion in France. 
I ask that this emotion shall be calmed. 

" His excellency M. Henry Chevereau, minister of the interior. Gentlemen, at the 
commencement of the war the government had judged it proper to prevent the Prus- 
sians from going out of France, to prevent them from joining the army of the enemy. 

" M. Gambetta. You have violated the first law of patriotism. 

"The Minister of the Interior. The circumstances becoming grave, and the 
presence of foreigners proving extremely injurious to the interests of the national de- 
fense, we have raised that interdiction. /Since day before yesterday we have taken all 
measures to expel the foreigners who are at this moment in the capital. 

" M. Cremieux. Expel, or permit to leave ? 

" The Minister of the Interior. It is well understood that is my thought. Day 
before yesterday twelve hundred Prussians left Paris. As many left last evening. The 
Corps L^gislatif will comprehend that it is impossible in a single day to send away 
twenty thousand Prussians. 

"The Marquis de Piennes. I will ask the minister of the interior to explain the 
word 'expel,' which he has used. It would be a serious matter, touching humanity 
•and civilization, to drive out of France, or even out of Paris, without distinction, all 
persons belonging to the nations with which we are at war. 

" M. Eugene Pelletan. It is evident from the remarks of the minister of the inte- 
rior, that the government has committed two mistakes. The first is, not having per- 
mitted the Germans to leave when they asked to go. It was a violation of the 
rights of persons. The second will be to drive them out in the present circumstances, 
for certainly when foreigners have been placed under the protection of the American 
and English embassies, you should respect their rights of person, and cause them to 
be respected. The character of the war is serious enough without seeking to impli- 
cate those who have committed no fault. 

" M. Clement Duvernois, minister of agriculture and commerce. The Prussians 
have expelled our people. 

" M. Eug£:n;e Pelletan. If there are Germans at present among us who are conspir- 
ing against us, you have something else to do than expel them ; you should arraign 
them before the councils of war; that is what justice requires, and I will say more; 
while I have the floor to defend the principles of civilization which should be main- 
tained against all attacks, I will ask to put another question to the minister of the 
interior. There has been posted on all the walls of Paris, and in all the departments 
of France, a dispatch, found upon the person of a spy. I demand to know what has 
become of this spy ; whether he has been arraigned before a council of war ? We have 
need to know the truth concerning a fact of this nature, as it has been made use of to 
calumniate a gi'eat party whose patriotism is now being shown. 

" The Marquis de Piennes. The question put by my honorable colleague should be 
examined in a double sense. The government has the right and the duty to guard 
against foreigners who abuse the hospitality which they iind among us. It is neces- 
sary to repress severely such tendencies ; but humanity and civilization would repel 
the measure that would strike without distinction the Germans who have long resided 
among us, and who, by their industry and labor, have contributed to the grandeur 
and prosperity of the country. 

" The Minister of the Interior. I will answer to the honorable M. Pelletan, that 
it is evident and beyo'jd question that a measure like this should be administered 
with discrimination, and where the persons are understood to be peaceable citizens as 
being so to speak, naturalized by long sojourn, by their habits and family ties, we have 
not the cruelty to expel them from France. I did not presume it was necessary to say 
this. 

"M. EuGiiNE Pelletan. I can but approve for myself the answer which the minister 
of the interior has made. It appeared as though the expulsion en masse of all the Ger- 
mans residing in France was about to be made; that would evidently have been a 
measure contrary to the laws of nations. But if the government intends only to expel 
dangerous foreigners, there is no disagreement between us. 



4(> FKANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

[Inclosure 2.] 

Mr. WasJiburne to Prince de la Tour WAavergne. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 17, 1870. 

Sir : In our conversation yesterday you did me the honor to request that I mij^ht put 
in writing the views I expressed to you, verbally, in relation to the departure from 
Prance of the subjects of the powers now at war with France. 

Having been charged by the direction of my own government, and with the consent 
of the French Government, with the protection of the subjects of the confederation of 
the north, as well as the subjects of Hesse Grand-Ducale, Saxony, and Saxe-Cobufg- 
Gotha, in France, during the war now existing between Franco and the said powers, I 
l)eg leave to state that before any official action had been taken by the French Govern- 
ment in relation to the departure from France of the said subjects, my colleagues, Mr. 
Kern, the minister of Switzerland, charged with the protection of the snbjtcts of 
Bavaria and Baden, and Mr. Okouneff, the Russian charge d'afl'aires, charged with the 
protection of the subjects of Wiirteoiberg, and myself, arranged an interview with M. 
Chevereau, minister of the interior, for Friday last, the 12bh instant, with a view of seek- 
ing such measures of protection to the Germans in Paris as the situation seemed to re- 
quire ; but tliat before that interview took place I learned of the proceedings of the Corps 
L6gislatifon that day, and of the declaration of M. Chevereau to the Chamber that " De- 
puis avant-hiernous prenons toutesles mesures pour expulser les strangers qui sont en ce 
moment dans la capitale." Therefore, when the interview actually occurred, we found it 
necessary to address ourselves to the measure of expulsion which has been considered 
Ijy the Chamber. With courtesy and frankness M. Chevereau explaioed to us the po- 
sition of matters touching the Germans in Paris. After stating what had been done and 
the reasons which had influenced the government, he expressed every desire to amel- 
iorate, as far as possible, the severity of the situation, and to facilitate, in every way, 
the departure of the subjects to whom the order was intended to apply. But after the 
ofiScial action taken on this subject had become known, your excellency will not be sur- 
prised to learn of the alarm and excitement it produced among the people whose pro- 
tection had devolved upon me. Their number is very large. In our conversation your 
excellency estimated it at forty thousand, other people have placed the estimate still 
higher. The removal of such a population in a few days, even with all ameliorations, 
could not fail to carry with it an incredible amount of suffering and misery, involving, 
asitmust, thebreakingup of homes and the sacrifice and abandonment of property. As 
to those subjects of the powers at war with France who abuse the hospitality of the 
country, and who remain in it to become spies, to plot against the government, to stir 
np sedition, and to trouble the public peace generally, all men will be in accord with 
the government in punishing them and in expelling them from French territory. But 
their number must be small as compared with the whole number of Germans finding 
themselves now in Paris. From my observation, the great number seem to bo composed 
(independently of the active business men with large affairs) of honest, industrious, 
laboring men and women, who have come into the country under the sanction of public 
faith, relying upon the hospitality and protection of the government. They are for the 
most part engaged in daily toil for the support of themselves and their families, taking 
no interest in political affairs and many of them quite ignorant of the ordinary passing 
events. It is upon this class of people that the action of the government falls with 
peculiar severity. The scenes I am compelled daily to witness are afflicting. My lega- 
tion aad the surrounding streets are filled every day with crowds of these people, who 
come to procure their passes and to beg some aid (which I had been authorized to ex- 
tend in certain cases) to enable them to conform to what they understand to be the 
direction of the government and to leave the country. Under these circumstances, 
therefore, I feel that I should fail to discharge the full measure of the duty devolving 
upon me in this regard, and that I should be forgetful of the obligations of humanity 
did I not make the strongest appeal to the government of his Majesty, through your 
excellency, to further consider this question, and to ask that if it be not possible to 
suspend action altogether, that there may be at least some modification of the measures 
already taken so as to permit such subjects of the belligerent powers as are under my 
protection, who are now in France, to remain in the country so long as their conduct 
shall give no cause of complaint, and further to ask for them that protection which 
the law of nations accords to unarmed enemies. In making this appeal I butobej' the 
wishes of my government, which has instructed me to do everything which is consist- 
ent with the position of my country as a neutral, and with the law of nations to alle- 
viate the condition of things now existing as regards these people with whose protec- 
tion I have been charged. 

In closing this comnmnication I beg leave to thank your excellency for the clear and 
courteous manner in which you were pleased to explain the views of his Majesty's 
government on the subject of our interview, and for the disposition manifested by 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 47 

your excellency to soften, in that respect, as far as might be in your power, the hard- 
snips which a state of war might impose, 

1 take tliis occasion to renew to your excellency the assurances with which I have 
the honor to remain your excellency's very obedient servant, 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 

POUNCE DE LA. TOUR D'AuVERGNE, 

Minister of Foreign Affairs, 



No. 45. 
Mr. Washhurne to Mr. von Tliile. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 19, 1870. 
Sir : I liad the honor two days ago to receive the letter of you excel- 
1 ^uey on the subject of the arrest of Mr. Schleucker, the consul of the 
Cou federation of North Germany at Lyons. 

I immediately addressed a letter to the Prince de la Tour d'Auvergne 
on the subject, and delivered it to him in person. As he had bnt just 
taken possession of the foreign office, he was ignorant of the facts in 
the case, but he promised to take information ,at once and advise me 
in the premises. 

As soon as I hear from him I shall communicate with you further on 
the subject. 
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 
Mr. VON TniLE, 

Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs, &c., t&c, &c. 



No. 46. 

Prince de la Tour WAuvergne to Mr. Washhurne. 

Paris, August 24, 1870. 

Sir: On my being informed the 17th of this month that Mr. Schleuc- 
ker, ex-consul of the North German Confederation, had been declared 
in bankruptcy and placed under arrest, you called my attention to his 
case, and expressed the desire to have a statement in regard to the 
measures taken concerning him. 

I hasten to give you the explanation which I immediately requested 
from the prefet of E,li6ne in regard to his matter. It appears that on 
the 30th of last month, it having been reported that Mr. Schleucker had 
suspended payments, and was about to depart for Prussia, a mandate 
was issued by the procureur imperial. The bankruptcy was declared 
by the president of tribunal of commerce, but the examination of the 
statement presented having shown that the business of the house of 
Mr. Schleucker was relatively satisfactory and that the conduct of this 
b inker gave no cause for serious apprehensions nor justified the impu- 
tations which had been made against him, he was released under bail 
the day following his arrest. 

The prefet of the Rhone adds that Mr. Schleucker has the reputation 
of an honest man, but at the time of his arrest he was laboring under 
some financial embarrassments dating back to an earlier jjeriod, the 
judicial decision concerning which has not yet been rendered. 
Eeceive, »&;c., 

PEINCE DE LA TOUE D'AUVEEGNE. 

Mr. WASHBURNE, 

Minister of the United States, 



48 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

E"o. 47. 

Mr. Wasliburne to Mr. von Thile. 

' Leqation of the United States, 

Paris, August 25, 1870. 
Sir : I have tbe honor to transmit to you a copy of a letter I received 
from the Prince de la Tour d'Auvergne, minister of foreign affairs, in 
answer to my note of the 17th instant, relating to the case of Mr. 
Schleucker, ex-consul of the North German Confederation at Lyons. 
I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 
To Mr. VON Thile, 

Under Secretary, &c., &c., &c., Berlin. 



No. 48. 
Mr. Wasliburne to Mr. Motley. 

Legation of the United States, 

Faris, August 23, 1870. 
My Dear Colleague : I received your cipher dispatch of yester- 
day at nine o'clock this morning. I deciphered it as soon as I could, and 
took a copy of it in person to the foreign office. The Prince de la Tour 
d'Auvergne being absent, I delivered it to the chief of cabinet. 

I have also received your letter of last evening, with the dispatches 
inclosed. I think we made them out correctly from the cipher. 
Very truly, &c., 



E. B. WASHBUENE. 



Hon. J. L. Motley, <&c.. &c., &c. 



No. 49. 
3{r. Wasliburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 268.] Legation of the United States, 

Faris, August 26, 1870. (Received September 8.) 
I have the honor to send you herewith a copy of the telegraphic dis- 
patch of Mr. Motley in regard to the protest of Count Bismarck and 
the reply of the Prince de la Tour d'Auvergne, which carry with them 
their own explanation. 
I have, «&c., 

• E. B. WASHBUENE. 



. [Inclosure 1.] 

Legation of the United States, 

Faris, August 23, 1870. 

Copy of a telegraphic dispatch received by Mr. Washhurne, minister of the United 
States, from Mr. Motley, United States minister at London, dated London, August 22, 
at 5.55 p. m., and delivered by Mr. Washburne to the Prince de la Tour d'Auvergne, 
Tuesday, August 23, 1870 : 

"E. B. Washburne, United Stales Minister, Paris: 

•' ' At the request of Count Bernstorff, the North German representative here, I send 
you the following message received by him from Count Bismarck this morning." 

" ' Please say to the American minister, Mr. Washburne, in Paris : A man carrying a 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 49 

flag of trnco, who arrived at the French onti]>osfs, accompanied by thft ordinary trnm- 
perer. in order to invite a proposal from snrgeons in the interest. of the Frencli wounded, 
was fired on, on the lOth instant, by all tlio French advance guards he met, so that he 
was obliged to return, after his trumpeter had been severely wounded. We protest 
against this broach of the international law, and will hold JTrance responsible for the 
fate of the French wounded, for whom our medical help proves insufticieut.' 

" Count Bismarck says to Count Bernstorff : _ 

" ' I request you to say further to the American minister, Mr. Washburne, at Paris, 
that, according to the experience we have hitherto had, the medical staff of the imx)e- 
rial French troops does not wear the badge provided by the convention of Geneva, and 
that those badges, when worn by our medical men, are not respected by the Fi'ench 
trooi^s, so that constantly, at the places for bandaging, the surgeons and wounded are 
shot at. As the manner in which our men carrying flags of truce are treated, contrary 
to international law, prevents us from sending our comiilaints in the direct way, we 
have no other means than to request, herewith, the American minister to state at Paris 
our formal protest against a breach of that international convention. " 

[Inclosure 2. — Translation.] 
Prince de la Tour d^Auvergne to Mr, Washhurne. 

Paris, August 23, 1870. 

Sir : You have been kind enough to hand me, under to-day's date, copy of a telegram 
which has been addressed to you by Mr. Motley, at the request of Couut de Bernsdorff, 
representative of the North German Confederation at London, wliicli has for its object 
to bring to the knowledge of the government of theEmi^eror the reclamations of Count 
Bismarck against the treatment on the part of our troops which may have been in- 
flicted on flags of truce, ambulances, surgeons, and wounded. 

The statements made in this telegram are too contrary to the traditions of the French 
ajmy to make it possible for me to accept them as exact. I have this day made them 
known to the minister of war, and will hasten to communicate to you the explanations 
which he will not fail to give me, and which will, I doubt not, reduce to their just 
value the protestations of the Prussian Government. 

Receive, sir, the assurances of the high consideration with which I have the honor 
to be vour very humble and obedient servant, 

PRINCE DE LA TOUR D'AUVERGNE. 

Mr. Washburne, United States Minister at Paris. 



No. 50. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Bancroft. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 25, 1870. 
My Dear Colleague: I bave duly received your letters of the 19th 
and 20th instauts, the one of the 20th coutaining a copy of the letter of 
Mr. Thile to you on the subject of the use to be made of the credit 
placed at my disposition for the assistance of the expelled Germans. I 
have had but A^ery few applications for assistance outside of the ISorth 
German Confederation, except from the subjects of Hesse-Darmstadt. 
As I had no^fuud for these last-named subjects, and as their needs were 
pressing, I ventured to take from the Prussian fund, and in fact treat- 
ing the Darmstadt subjects precisely as the subjects of the North Ger- 
man Confederation. At the same time, I wrote to Count d'Enzenberg, 
the late minister resident of Darmstadt at Paris, that he must advise 
his government that I was furnishing aid to the subjects of that gov- 
ernment to enable them to leave France. I presumed it would be all 
right. I have kept a strict account of how much I have paid to each 
person. The amount already sent me will probably be more than I shall 
want. 

S. Ex. 24 4 



50 FEANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

I have exercised a good deal of care in furnishing assistance. I made 
arrangements with the railroads to take all persons I send at half-fare, 
third class. The arrangement we make with the parties we assist shows 
substantially what you suggest. We only give enough, in addition to 
what they may have, to enable them to reach the frontier. In reaching 
there they will be in a state of utter destitution, and their condition 
will appeal most jjowerfully to the generous sympathy of the Prussian 
Government. I have no regrets for the labors imposed upon me. I 
only wish I could have done more. It is a great pleasure for me to know 
that I have been able to do something to alleviate the sufferings and 
appease the anxiety of these poor people whose protection has been con- 
fided to me. 

I inclose you a memorandum in regard to the remains of General 
Douay. All these French people will be exceedingly grateful to you for 
all your kindness in endeavoring to get information for them. 
I am, &c., 



Hon. Geo. Bancroft, i&c, &c., &c. 



E. B. WASHBUENE. 



No. 51. 

Mr. von Thile to Mr. Washhurne. 

[Translation.] 

Berlin, August 25, 1870. 
Sir : According to a communication which Mr. Bancroft has made to 
me verbally, the French Government desires to have enter Prussia the 
relatives or the valets of certain prisoners of war, in order that they may 
not be deprived of the attention to which they have been accustomed. 
I hasten to inform you that no opposition is offered on our part to your 
giving to such persons passes or other documents proving their identity. 
It is hardly necessary to say that they cannot leave Prussia until after 
the conclusion of peace, and their correspondence will have to be sub- 
mitted to the same iuspection as that of the prisoners of war them- 
selves. 
Accept, sir, the assurance of my high consideration. 

THILE. 
To Mr. Washburne, 

Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary 

of the United States of America, Paris, 



lSo.52. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Bancroft. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 27, 1870. 
My Dear CoLLEAauE : You have done me the honor to communicate 
to me a translation of the letter of Mr. Thile to you, under date of the 20th 
instant, in which he transmits to me the thanks of the Eoyal Govern- 
ment for services I may have rendered to the subjects of the Korth 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 51 

German Confederation expelled from France, and for bringing under 
my protection the hotel of the North German legation. Will you have 
the kindness to say to Mr, Thile that I fully appreciate the compliment, 
and am highly gratified to know that my conduct meets with the ap- 
proval of his government. I beg further that you will say that I have 
brought to my work only a sincere desire to faithfully do my duty under 
sonjewhat ditlficult and embarrassing circumstances, and if I can only 
accomplish my mission in a way satisfactory to the Royal Government 
and to my own government, as well as in a manner acceptable to tlie 
French Government, by whose assent I am permitted to act, 1 shall feel 
that I am more than compensated for what I may have already accom- 
plished and what I may do hereafter in this regard. I shall leave noth- 
ing undone to fully discharge all the duties properly devolving upon me. 
Believe me, &c., 



Hon. George Bancroft, c6c., djc, &c. 



E. B, WASHBURNE. 



No. 53. 

Mr. WasMurne to Mr. de Thile. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 27, 1870. 

Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
the 24th instant, in relation to the restriction put upon the Germans ex- 
pelled from France not to go by the frontier of Belgium. That restric- 
tion was at first imposed by the French Government, and a few passes 
were issued with such restriction. But upon a representation of the 
hardships and inconveniences of such a restriction, it was at once re- 
moved, and persons holding my passes were permitted to leave France 
for whatever country they pleased. There was no intervention whatever 
by the Belgian Government, but, on the other hand, the Belgian Rail- 
road has agreed to take all the expelled Germans at halt-fare, the same 
as the Northern Railroad of France. 

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your excellency's very 
obedient servant, 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 

Mr. Thile, Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs, &o., &o., d;c. 



No. 54. 
Mr. Washburne to 3fr. Bancroft. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 30, 1870. 
My Dear Colleague : You will see the sweeping character of the 
dtcree of General Trochu which I inclose herewith. It has brought, 
yesterday and to-day, an immense number of Germans to our legation. 
I took immediate steps to have the time extended for leaving, and the 
minister of the interior assurred me that no advantage should be taken 
of those who could not get away in the three days. As to the excep- 
tions to be made of those who desired iiermission to remaiu, it was 
agreed that applications should be made to the prefect of police. Both 
Mr. Kern, the Swiss minister, and myself declined making any applica- 
tion whatever to General Trochu. 



52 FRANCO-GEEMAN WAR. 

As the order covered the concierge of the Prussian legation, I went 
at once to see the Prince de la Tour d'Auvergne in regard to a permit 
for him to remain. The prince said that while he could give him such 
a permit, and would also try and give him protection, yet in his own 
interest he should advise him to leave; that the fact of his being a sub- 
ject of the North German Confederation might invite hostility against 
the legation, &c. Under such circumstances, therefore, I have thought 
it best to tell him he had better go away. In the excited state of feel- 
ing here, 1 can well see that there might be danger in his remaining. I 
have directed Mr. McKean, the American who occupies the hotel, to get 
a trustworthy man to put in his place. 

I am, very truly, your obedient servant, 

E. B. WASHBUBNE. 

Hon. George Bancroft, de., t&c, c&c. 



No. 55. 

Mr. Washhnrne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 269.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 26, 1870. (Eeceived September 8.) 
Sir : We are still utterly in the dark here as to war news, and the 
greatest uneasiness begins to prevail among the Americans at the 
jiresent time in Paris. Large numbers are leaving, not knowing what 
may take place. The proclamation of the governor of Paris, only 
placarded last night, and which I send herewith, has added to the 
excitement already existing. Our crowd of Germans had considerably 
decreased yesterday, but it is largely iucreased today on account of the 
proclamation of General Trochu. 

I have not telegraphed you any news for several days, for I have had 
nothing sufficiently reliable to justify it. 
I have, &c., 

E. B.WASHBUENE. 



GOVERNOR OF PARIS — GENERAL ORDER. 

f 
[Inclosare. — Translation.] 

The governor of Paris, in consideration of the law of August 9, 1849, on the state 
of siege ; in consideration of the decree of the 7th instant, by which Paris was declared 
la a state of siege ; in consideration of the seventy-fifth article of the decree- of the 
24th December, ISll, relating to the organization and service of the local staff, which 
decrees: That in every place in a state of siege, if the minister or the general of the 
army gives the orders, or if the troops of the enemy approach within three days' 
march of the place, the governor or commanding officer is forthwith, and without 
awaiting the state of siege, invested with the necessary authority — 

First. To cause the useless mouths, the strangers, and the persons designated by the 
civil or military police, to leave. In consideration of the law of the 9th July, 1852, 
relating to the removal from the department of the Seine of persons who have under- 
gone judicial punishment, A^agrants, beggars, and others addicted to practices danger- 
ous to persons and to property — 

Resolved, That, 1st. Every individual without means of subsistence, whose presence 
at Paris would constitute a danger to both the public order and the security of person 
and property, or who would give himself to actions of such a nature as to weaken or 
to trammel the measures for defense and for general security, is expelled from the capi- 
tal. 2d. The infraction of the orders of expulsion shall be accused before the military 
tribunals. 

GENERAL TROCHU. 

Paris, August 24, 1870. 



FKANCO-GERMAN WAR. 53 

No. 5G. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 270.] Legation of the United States, 

Faris, August 29, 1870. (Received September 14.) 

Sir: The tlecree of General Trochu, governor of Paris, wliich I have 
the honor to send herewith, marked 1, appeared this morning in the 
official journal, and was placarded over the city last night. Being so 
sweeping in its terms and so emphatic in its declarations, it of course 
created a very great degree of excitement among tbe large number of 
Germans yet remaining in Paris. The legation was besieged at an early 
hour by a large crowd of Germans, and although I had employed as 
many men as could work, yet the number was nearly as great at night 
as it was in the morning. I felt it my duty to call and address myself 
to the Prince de la Tour d'Auvergne in regard to both articles of the 
decree; the first in regard to the very limited time allowed for depart- 
ure, and the second in relation to the application for the special per- 
mission for '•'■ sejour'^'' in Paris. In this matter I should state that I acted 
in concert with Mr. Kern, the Swiss minister, protecting the Bavarians 
and tbe Badois, a diplomat of wisdom, experience, and energy. We 
saw the minister of foreign affairs separately, and who explained mat- 
ters to each of us in the same way, but referring us to the minister of 
the interior, who was more particularly charged with the subject. Ac- 
cordingly Mr. Kern and myself called on Mr. Chevereau at seven o'clock 
this evening. In the first place we called his attention to the short 
time allowed to the Germans to leave Paris, and that even if they were 
ready to go, it would be utterly impossible for us to furnish them with 
the requisite papers. In reply, Mr. Chevereau said that although three 
days was the time named in the proclamation, yet no advantage would 
be taken of those who were unable to get away within that time. 

In the second place, in regard to the permission to be obtained for a 
sojourn in Paris, we explained to him that we could not, in our diplo- 
matic capacity, make any application whatever to General Trochu, and 
that our dealings must be with the civil authorities; that if the terms 
of the proclamation were to be adhered to, we should be powerless to 
render any aid to the parties with whose protection we had been charged. 
I explained particularly to Mr. Chevereau the very large number of Ger- 
mans under my protection who had lived for a long series of years in 
Paris, and had vast interests at stake; that many of those persons were 
connected in business with American citizens, and to compel them all 
to leave would be an incredible hardship, and would entail immense 
sacrifices. The minister replied very promptly that that question had 
been just considered by the government, and that our applications could 
be addressed to the prefect of the police, who had been charged specially 
■with the whole business. He told us to make applications for whoever 
we x^leased, and that they would be considered without any delay, and 
that whenever we submitted an application of any party for permission 
to remain in Paris we might consider it as granted unless we had special 
notice of its rejection. 

I have the honor to send you further a notice which appears in this 
morning's Journal Officiel, and marked 2. It is an invitation to all 
persons in Paris who are not in a condition '■'■de faire face a Vennemi" 
to leave Paris. In my interview to day with the Prince de la Tour 
d'Auvergne I asked him about this notice. He replied that while it 
"was not to be construed as an order which would oblige Americans to 



54 FEANCO-GEEMAN WAE. 

leave, yet under existing circumstances he thought it would be well for 
me to recommend my countrymen to get away as soon as they could, in 
their own interests. Everything shows that the French Government 
look upon a siege of Paris as probable, for it is making the most stu- 
pendous preparation in that direction. I have telegraphed you to that 
effect today in cipher, and also, looking to possibilities, I suggested 
whether you should not ask the Prussian Government to protect Ameri- 
can property in Paris, in the event its army reached here. I need not 
tell .you there is a very large amount of property owned by Americans 
in Paris, and I hope it will be respected by both sides as property of 
neutrals. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



flnclosnre 1.] 

The governor of Paris in view of the law of August 9, 1849, on the state of siege ' 
in view of the imperial decree of August 7, 1870, by which Paris and the department 
of the Seine are declared in a state of siege ; in view of article 75 of the decree of 
December 24, 1811, which invested the governor of a place, in a state of war, with the 
necessary authority to expel strangers ; in view of the laws of November 18, 20, and 
December 3, 1869, relating to measures of police applicable to strangers ; considering 
that in the interest of the national defense, and also in order to guarantee the security 
of persons belonging, by their nationality, to the countries at war with France, it is 
necessary to remove strangers — decrees as follows : 

Article 1. Every person not a naturalized Frenchman, and belonging to a country 
actually at war with France, must leave Paris and the department of the Seine before 
the expiration of three days, and leave France or retire into one of I be departments 
situated beyond the Loire. 

Art. 2. Every foreigner coming within the provisions of the preceding injunction 
who shall not have conformed to it, and shall not have obtained a special permission 
to remain, emanating from the governor of Paris, will be arrested and delivered to the 
military tribunals to be judged according to law. 

The governor of Paris, 

TEOCHU. 

Paris, August 28, 1870. 



[Inclosure 2.] 
NOTICE. 

Considerable reserves destined for provisioning Paris have been made under the care 
of the administration. They increase every day. The prefect of the Seine thinks it 
his duty to request the inhabitants to provide themselves in advance, according to the 
measure of their wants and resources, with the different kinds of food capable of pres- 
ervation and lasting. 

The interest of the defense, even more than that of subsistence, requires that persons 
incapable of withstanding the enemy should remove themselves from Paris. 

The counselor of state, general secretary performing the functions of prefect, 

ALFEED BLANCHE. 



Ko. 57. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

'So. 272.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 31, 1870. (Received September 15.) * 

Sir : Eeferring to my dispatch No. 261, of August 17, I have the 

honor to inclose you an extract from the official journals, fixing the date 

of the commencement of the blockade of the North German coast at the 

19th instead of the 15th of August. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 55 

I Inclosure. — Translation.! 

[Extract from tho Journal Olficiel of August 30, 1870.] 

The notification inserted in the Journal Officiel of the 25th of August relative to the 
blockade of the coast of the confederation of North Germany in the Baltic, has errone- 
ously fixed the I5th of August as the comniencemeutof the blockade. It is only from 
the jyth of August that the blockade has been really effectual. 



No. 58. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Motley. 

Legation of the United States, 

Faris, September 1, 1870. 
My Dear Oodleague : By the mail of last night from London, I 
received your note of the 30th ultimo inclosing the dispatch of Count 
Bismarck to Count Bernstorff. 

Please say to the latter that 1 have this morning transmitted the dis- 
patch to the Prince de la Tour d'Auvergne, with a note verbale. 
I am, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 
Hon. John L. Motley, 

tfcc, (&G , &G. 



No. 59. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 274.J Legation of the United States, 

Paris, September 2, 1870. (Received September 15.) 
I have the honor to inclose you herewith copies of telegraphic dis- 
patches from Count Bismarck to Count Bernstorff, sent to me by Mr. 
Motley, to be by me transmitted to the French Government, together 
with my notes accompanying the same. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure 1.] 
Mr. Washburne to Prince de la Tour WAuvergne. 

LEGAXiON OF THE UNITED STATRS, 

Paris, August 28, 1870. 
Mr. Wa'^hburne, minister of the United States, presents his respectful compliments 
to The Prince de la Tour d'Auvergne, and begs leave to inclose him herewith copies 
of two dispatches which have just been transmitted to him by Mr. Motley, the minis- 
ter of the United States at London, and which explain themselves. 



Count Bismarck to Count Bernstorff. 

Palikao declares in the Corps L^gislatif that frauc-tireurs must be considered as 
soldiers. I beg you will communicate the following to Mr. Washburne : 

Only persons recognizable as soldiers at rifle-range can be considered and treated as 
such. Blue blouse is general national costume ; the red cross on the arm is only to be- 
discerned at a short distance, and caii at every moment be removed and replaced ; so 
that it becomes impossible for our troops to know the persons from whom they may 
expect hostilities and at whom they have to shoot. If persons who are not always, 
and at the necessary distance, recognizable as soldiers, kill or wound German soldiers, 
we can only have them tried by a court-martial. 



56 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

Count Bismarck to Count Bernstorff. 

Please announce once more to Mr. Washburne that Captain Rochous, who was sent 
hy General Alvenslebefi to Toiil with a flag of truce, has been repulsed by successive 
shots, and that a trumpeter accompanying, yesterday, another flag of truce to Verdun 
has been killed. We protest solemnly against these repeated violations of interna- 
tional law, and declare that we shall be henceforth in the impossibility of sending 
flags of truce to the French army. 



[In closure 2.] 

Mr. WasKburne to Prince de la Tour d'Auvergne. 

Legation op the United States, 

Paris, Sejyttmher 1, 1B70. 
Mr. Washburne, minister of the United States, presents his respectful compliments to 
his excellency the Prince de la Tour d'Auvergne, minister of foreign affairs, and begs 
to inclose him a dispatch, which he has just received from Mr. Motley, the minister of 
the United States in London, and which explains itself. 



Count BismarcTc to Count Bernstorff. 

Clermont, August 29, 1870. 

Will you kindly let the following be known to Mr. Washburne, which only now comes 
to my knowledge. 

On the 15th instant General Von Bothmer sent Captain Hanfstangel with a flag of 
truce to the commandant of the Fortress Mucal. The surrender of the fortress was 
refused. Before the captain was out of shot's range he was shot at from the fortress, 
and was severely wounded. This is the fourth case of breach of international law com- 
ing to our knowledge. 



No. 60. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fisli. 

No. 275.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, September 2, 1870. (Received September 15.) 

^F 9F Tt* tP tP -R* ^ 

The greater part of the German population has left the city. 

This legation has vised passports and given sat'e-condacts for very 
nearly thirty thousand persons, subjects of the North German Confed- 
eration, expelled from France. We have given railroad-tickets to the 
Prussian frontier for eight thousand of these people, as well as small 
amounts of money to a much smaller number. From this statement you 
can form somewhat of an estimate of the amount of labor we have per- 
formed for the last few weeks, and the extra force I have had to employ 
to accomplish it. I shall, however, have the honor of writing you more 
fully on this subject at a future time. 

My time is now a good deal taken up in looking after Germans who 
have been arrested and thrown into prison. The number is very great. 
My applications are promptly attended to, and thus far every man has 
been released for whom I have applied. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUKNE. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 57 

No. Gl. 

[Telegram.] 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Glasgow. 

Legation of the United States, 

Faris, Septemher 3, 1870. 
Send all very needy Germans to me at Paris, with a note of protection 
given to each one. Pay fare third class — half fare if possible — same as 
other roads take them for, and give a few francs to each very poor per- 
son. I send them direct to Germany. No authority to send to England. 

WASHBUENE. 
Glasgow, 

Consul, Havre. 



No. 62. 

[Telegram.] 

3Ir. Washburne to Mr. Glasgow. 

Paris, September 5, 1870. 
Pay lowest class passage of each destitute German to England. Give 
each person a few francs. Telegraph me how many persons you send 
and to what place, in order that 1 may advise Prussian minister at Lon- 
don. 

WASHBURNE. 
Glasgow, 

Consul, Havre. 



No. 63. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. von Thile. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, September 3, 1870. 
Sir: Referring to my letter to yon of the 31st ultimo, in relation to 
the case of Mr. Stahr, consul at Lille, I now have the honor to state 
that, in view of the large interests of Mr. S., I thought proper to send a 
special messenger to look after them. 

I therefore applied to Mr. Chevreau, the minister of the interior, and 
explained the matter to him and told him what 1 proposed to do. He 
at once gave my messenger, Mr. McKean, an American gentleman, a 
letter of introduction to the prefect. 

The report of Mr. McKean to me I send herewith. Mr. Stahr will be 
glad to know that his property and affairs are in as good condition as 
they well can be under the circumstances. 
I have, «&c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 

M. VON TUILE, 

Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs, &g. 



58 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

No. 64. 

Mr. von Thile to Mr. Wasliburne. 

[Translation.] 

■ Berlin, /Sepiemfter 8, 18'70. 

Sir : I have the houor to acknowledge the receipt of the letter of the 
Sd of this month, by which you kindly informed me of the condition of 
the affairs of Mr. Stahr, consul of Grand Ducal Saxony, at Lille. It 
appears, to my great satisfaction, that up to this time the property of 
Mr. Stahr has not been injured, and that measures have been taken to 
secure it, as far as possible, from danger. I have not delayed commu- 
nicating this reassuring news to Mr. Stahr, that he may know all that 
you have kindly done for him, and that he may be able to make such 
arrangements as the state of things shall seem to him to require. 

As to myself, there only remains the very agreeable dnty of express- 
ing to you the lively sense of gratitude I feel for the kind manner in 
which you have charged yourself with the interests of a subject of the 
Korth German Confederation, and the special care with which you have 
protected them. 

It is with these sentiments, sir, that I seize this occasion to repeat to 
you the assurance of my high consideration. 

THILE. 

Mr. Washburne, 

Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Pletiipotentiary 

of the United States of America, Paris. 



No. 65. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Bancroft. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, September 9, 1870. 
My Dear Colleague : I have yours, sending back the letter which 
was addressed to Captain Labord. Be assured that your great kind- 
ness in all these sad matters is fully appreciated. 

In my last I spoke of my unofficial interview with Gambetta to get 
the Germans released from prison. The order was given to that end 
the next day, and I have since been busy in getting the poor creatures 
away. I think now they are nearly all off. 

The military order of Trochu was an absolute expulsion. I know you 
rejoice with me at the overthrow of the dynasty and the proclamation of 
the republic in France. I pray now for an early peace, honorable and 
just to both countries. ^ 

Very truly, yours, 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 
Hon. Geo. Bancroft, (&c., &c., &c. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 59- 

:So. 66. 

Mr. Wasliburne to Mr. Fish. 
[By cable.] 

September 3, 1870. 
Fish, Washington : 

McMaboD totally defeated. Capture of Sedan. Defeat of Bazaine 
before Metz, Iq Chamber Favre considered present government extinct; 
proposed military dictator. Unofficial dispatch to foreign minister that 
Emperor prisoner: another reports him escaped to Belgium. 

WASHBURNE. 



No. 67. 



2lr. Washhurne to the civil and military authorities of the North German 

Confederation. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, September 4, 1870. 
This is to request that full permission may be granted to Madame 
MacMahon, the wife of Marshal MacMahon, and to the Vicorate de 
Caraman, the brother of Madame MacMahon, and the Sister of Charity 
Madeleine, to pass all the military lines, in order to visit the marshal, 
and to express a hope that all proper facilities may be granted to ac- 
complish this end. 

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of this 
legation at Paris, this 4th day of September, 1870. 

E. B. WASHBURNE, &c., &c., (&o. 



No. 68. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 
[By cable.] 

September 5, 1870. (Received September 5.) 
Fish, Washington : 

Chamber met at midnight. Favre proposed dethronement of dynasty. 
Provisional government to be appointed by Chamber, and that the war 
shall be continued. 

WASHBURNE, Paris. 



No. 69. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

[By cable.] 

* Septemher 5, 1S70. (Received September 5.) 

Fish, Washington : 

Republic proclaimed from H6tel de Ville. People still hold possession 
Chambers. Deputies Favre, Gambetta, Simon, Picard, and others, 
provisional government. Rochefort liberated by people. 

WASHBURNE, Paris. 



60 FRANCO-GEEMAN WAR. 

No. 70. 

3fr. Wasliburne to Mr. Fish. 

[By cable.] 

September 5, 1870, (Received September 5.) 
Fish, Wasliington: 

Eepublic proclaimed. Government of national defense announced 
this morning composed of deputies of Paris. Favre, minister of foreign 
affairs; Gambetta, interior; Picard, finance; Simon, public instruction; 
Cremieux, justice; K6ratry, prefect of police; Arago, prefect of Seine; 
Glais-Bizon, director of telegraphs; Trochu, governor of Paris and min- 
ister of war. Paris quiet. Instruct me. 

WASHBURNE. 



No. 71. 

Mr. Wasliburne to Mr. Fish. 
[By cable.] 

September 5, 1870. (Received September 7.) 
Fish, Washington: 
New government fully installed. Trochu President. Paris tranquil. 

WASHBURNE, Paris. 



No. 72. 

Mr. Wasliburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 276.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, September, 5 1870. (Received September 20.) 

Sir : Since I had the honor of addressing you my last dispatch (No. 
275) events have marched with gigantic strides. The news of the full 
extent of the catastrophe which befell the army of McMahon was not 
made public in Paris until about midnight on Saturday night last, 
though Palikao had, during the evening in the Chamber, given out 
news enough to prepare the people for almost anything. 

In view of the emergency which had arisen, a session of the Corps 
Legislatif was called for midnight on Saturday night, but the presi- 
dent did not take his chair until one o'clock on Sunday morning. The 
sitting is represented as having been solemn and agitated. M. Schneider 
came into the Chamber without the beating of the drum, which ordina- 
rily announces his entry. The silence was death-like ; but few of the 
deputies of the right were in their seats, though the members of the 
left were almost all present. The floor was assigned to M. Palikao, the 
minister of war, who said that, in the presence of the si^rious news 
which had been received, he deemed it better not to take any action at 
that time, but to postpone everything until twelve o'clock of that day — it 
was now Sunday morning. Jules Favre then rose and said that he 
should not propose any serious opposition to that motion, but he would 
ask leave to give notice of a proposition which he had to submit, and 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 61 

which he would discuss at the meetiug at twelve o'clock. The proposi- 
tion was as follows : 

1. Louis Napolpon Bonaparte and bis dynasty are declared fallen from the powers 
which the constitution had confided to them. 

2. There shall bo named by the h'sislativo body a commission vested with powers 
and composed of * * *. You will designate yourself the number of members who 
shall compose tliis commission, who will make it their first duty to repel the invasion 
and drive the enemy from the territory. 

3. M. Trochu shall be maintained in his functions of governor-general of the city of 
Paris. 

After a session of ten minutes only the Chamber adjourned. 

As this sitting of Sunday was likely to become historic, I went early 
to the Chamber. I found but a few troops stationed in the neighborhood, 
and there was not a large number of ])eople in the vicinity. Indeed, 
I was quite surprised at the tranquillity which seemed everywhere to 
reign in the quarter of the Palais Bourbon, which is the name of the 
building occupied by the Corps Legislatif. Taking my seat in the diplo- 
matic tribune at quarter before twelve, there was not a single person in 
the hall of the dei)uties, though the galleries were all well filled. In- 
stead of the session opening at noon, it was precisely one o'clock when M. 
Schneider entered and took the chair of the presidency. The deputies 
then came rapidly into the hall. Count Palikao was the first of the 
ministers to come in, and he was soon followed by the Prince de la 
Tour d'Auvergne, Chevereau, and Brame. All the other ministers took 
their places on the ministerial benches soon after. The members of the 
left came in almost simultaneously, Gaoibetta hurrying along among the 
first, haggard with excitement. The venerable Raspail takes his seat. 
Garnier-Pages hurries across the area in front of the president's chair 
in a state of intense agitation. Arago, Simon, Picard, Ferry, Estanchin- 
Guyot-Montpayvon enter and take their seats. Thiers, the little brisk 
and vigorous old man, walks quietly to his place. * * * And now 
the president sits in his chair without calling the Chamber to order, the 
members become impatient and clamorous; there is loud talk and violent 
gesticulation. At precisely twenty minutes after one o'clock M. Schnei- 
der swings his bell, and the gruff voice of the huissier is heard above 
the d'lu,^^ Silence, messieurs! sHl vous plaits After some unimportant 
proceedings the floor is assigned to M. Palikao, the minister of war, who 
proposes the following project of law: 

Art. 1. A council of government and of national defense is instituted. This coun- 
cil is composed of five members. Each member of this council is named by the abso- 
lute majority of the Corps L(?gislat)f. 

2. The ministers are named under the countersign of the members of this council. 

3. The General Count Palikao is named lieutenant-general of this council. 
Done in a council of ministers the 4th of September, 1870. 

For the Emperor, and in virtue of the powers which he has confided to us. 

EUGfiNIE. 

M. Thiers then submitted another proposition, as follows: 

Considering the circumstances, the Chamber names a commission of government and 
national defense. A " constituaute " will be couvoked as soon as the circumstances 
will allow. 

The proposition of Favre being already before the Chamber, "urgency" 
was voted on these three propositions, and they were sent to a commit- 
tee for examin'Ution under the rules of the Chamber. At 1.40 o'clock the 
sitting was suspended to await the report of the committee, and all the 
members immediately left the hall. As it was supposed that the sit- 
ting would not be resumed for an hour or more, I left the diplomatic 
gallery and descended into the court of the building facing upon the 



62 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

street which runs parallel with the Seine. Here I found a good many 
people who had been admitted by virtue of tickets. The street in front 
of the building bad been kept quite clear b^ the military, though there 
was an enormous multitude of the national guard and the people on the 
Place de la Concorde, on the opposite side of the river. The Pont de la 
Concorde seemed to be sufficiently guarded by the military to prevent 
their crossing over. All at once I saw quite a number of people on the 
steps of the Palais Bourbon, and soon they commenced to raise loud 
cries of "Ftve la republiqiieP^ ^^Decheance !" '•'■Vive la France!''^ At 
this moment I was called away by the messenger of the legation, who 
brought me an urgent message from Madame McMahon, who wanted a 
safe-conduct from me, to enable her to pass the Prussian lines to visit her 
wounded husband at Sedan. In company with Mr, Eustis I stepped 
into an antechamber to prepare the proper document, and h,ad but just 
taken my seat at a table to write, when the cry was raised that the peo- 
ple had invaded the building. It seemed but a moment before they 
were passing into the part where I was. It being impossible to finish 
the requisite paper, under these circumstances, Mr. Eustis an d myself 
made our way into the court-yard. There was presented a most extraor- 
dinary spectacle. A part of a regiment of the line had been brought 
hurriedly into the yard, had formed across it, and were loading their 
muskets. Behind them and in the street, and rushing through the gates 
and up the front steps of the building, was a vast mass of excited peo- 
ple and the national guard, who had fraternized — the guards having 
their muskets butt-end upward as a token of friendship. There was 
evidently collusion between the people who were on the steps of the 
Palais Bourbon and the people and National Guards in the Place de la 
Concorde, on the other side of the river, for it was upon the signal of 
the people on the steps that the guard and the people broke through 
the military force that was holding the bridge. As the crowd mounted 
the steps of the Palais Bourbon it was received with terrific cheers and 
with shouts of " Vive la republique !^' and '•'■ Bechmnce ! '''' 

Making our way into the street, Mr. Eustis and myself managed to 
pass through the crowd and to reach the building of the Agricultural 
Club, in the immediate neighborhood, and from the balcony of which 
we could see all that was going on. And now the soldiers of the guard, 
many of them with their hats on the ends of their muskets, accompa- 
nied by an indiscriminate mass of men, women, and children, poured over 
the Pont de la Concorde and filled the entire space, all, in one grand 
fraternization, singing the Marseillaise and shouting, " Vive la repuh- 
liqne!^^ The Municipal Guard, with its shining helmets and brilliant 
uniforms, was forced back, inch by inch, before the people, until, finally', 
all military authority became utterly powerless. During this time the 
l^ational Guard and the people had invaded the Hall of the Deputies, 
which they found vacant. M. Schneider and about a dozen of the mem- 
bers rushed in. The president in vain made appeals for order, and 
finally covered himself by putting on his hat, according to immemorable 
usage of the French assemblies under such circumstances. Gambetta 
addressed a few energetic words to the invaders, and, a little order be- 
ing restored, quite a number of deputies entered the hall. But at three 
o'clock irruption into the Chamber took place. Jules Favre then as- 
cended the tribune and was listened to for a moment. " Let there be 
no scenes of violence," he said ; "let us reserve our arms for the en- 
emy, and fight to the last; at this moment union is necessary, and for 
that reason we do not proclaim the repablic." The president now left 
his seat, and, as it turns out, for the last time. The irruption into the 



FRANCO-GI'^RMAN AVAR. 63 

Chamber continued. The floor and the seats of the deputies, on which 
a few members of the left only remained, were tilled with a motley crowd 
in blouses and in coarse woolen shirts, or in the uniform of the National 
Guard or the Guard Mobile. They wore caps and kepis of all colors and 
shapes, and carried muskets with their muzzles ornamented with sprigs 
of green leaves. The tumult became indescribable, and some of the 
invaders seized on the pens and paper of the dei)uties and commenced 
writing letters ; while different persons were going up to the president's 
chair and ringing his bell continually. The crowd in the hall now de- 
manded dechcance of the Emperor, which was declared, and then it was 
proposed to go to the Hotel de Ville and proclaim the republic. The cry 
was thereiore raised, "JL VHbtel de Ville,''' mingled with other cries, 
" Cherchez Bochefort,''' &g., and then this vast multitude commenced 
moving away from the Palais Bourbon. 

The crowd having soon sufficiently dispersed, we were enabled to 
make our way back again to the Corps Legislatif, and to enter again the 
diplomatic tribune. The hall was filled with dust, and a rough-looking 
man was iu the president's chair, surrounded by a number of men still 
more rough in appearance. The soldiers and the people were occupy- 
ing the seats of the deputies, writing letters, looking over documents, 
and talking and laughing, all in the best humor. In the hall at this 
time 1 recognized Garnier-Pages, Easpail, and a few other members of 
the left. 

Leaving the Chamber, we went at once to the Hotel de Ville. The 
number of the people assembled there was enormous, and the same fra- 
ternization existed between them and the National Guard as elsewhere. 

The building had been invaded by the people, and all the windows 
fronting on the square were filled with rough and dirty-looking men 
and boys. Soon a terrific shout went up; Rochefort was being drawn 
in a cab by the multitude through the crowd. He was ghastly pale ; 
he stood up in the vehicle, covered with sashes of red, white, and blue, 
and waving his hat in answer to the acclamations. As he was hauled 
slowly through the multitude to the main door of the Hotel de Ville, 
the delirium seemed to have reached its height, and such frantic accla- 
mations I never before heard. At precisely four o'clock and forty-five 
minutes in the afternoon, by the great clock in the tower of the Hotel 
de Ville, at one of the \\iidows appeared Gambetta; a little behind 
him stood Jules Favre ani Emanuel Arajo ; and then and there, on that 
historic spot, Gambetta proclaimed the rei)ublic. 

This proclaniatioQ was received by every possible demonstration of 
enthusiasm. Li^ts were then thrown out of the window containing the 
names of the members of the provisional government. Ten minutes 
afterward Raspail and Rochefort appeared at another window and 
embraced each other, while the crowd loudly applauded them. During 
this time the public were occupying the Tuileries. Sixty thousand hu- 
man beings had rolled toward the palace, completely leveling all obsta- 
cles; the vestibule was invaded, and in the court-yard, on the side of the 
Place du Carrousel, were to be seen soldiers of every arm, who, in the 
presence of the ])eople, removed the cartridges from their guns, and 
who were greeted by cries, "Long live the nation!" "Down with the 
Bonapartes!" "To Berlin!" «&c. During all this time there was no pil- 
lage, no havoc, no destruction of property, and the crowd soon retired, 
leaving the palace under the protection of the National Guard. At the 
Hotel de Ville some little damage was done, but nothing to any great 
extent. Some discussion was raised about the changing of the flag, but 
Gambetta declared that the tricolor was the flag of 1792 and '93, and 
that under it France had been and would yet be led to victory. 



64 FRANCO-GEEMAN WAR. 

From the Hotel de Yille we went back to the Chamber of Deputies, 
to find it still in possession of the people. From there I returned to 
my legation, which I reached at 6.30 o'clock. At 8 o'clock I returned 
to the Corps L(5gislatif, but on my arrival there I found everything 
closed and the lights extinguished. The doors leading to the hall of the 
Deputies had been shut, and seals put upon them. I then drove through 
some parts of the city, and found everything remarkably quiet. The 
day had been pleasant, and the night was beautiful beyond descript'on. 
After making a call upon Lord Lyons, I returned to my lodgings to pon- 
der over the events of the day to become memorable in history. In a 
few brief hours of a Sabbath day I had seen a dynasty fall and a repub- 
lic proclaimed, and all without the shedding of one drop of blood. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 73. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

JS^o. 283. j Legation of the United States, 

Paris, September 9, 1870. (Received September 22.) 
gjjj . * #*#**# 

I telegraphed you of the results and condition of things here on Mon- 
day, and asked for instructions, though not doubting what would be 
the prompt action of our government. I received replies from Mr. Davis 
Wednesday morning. It was only Tuesday night that I received the 
official notice from M. Jules Favre of the change of the government, 
and advising me that the department of foreign aifairs had been confided 
to him. The next morning (Wednesday) I sent a verbal message to the 
foreign office to ascertain when it would be agreeable for the minister 
to receive me, as I had an important communication to make from my 
government. I received a reply that the minister would see me at any 
time between 2 and 6 o'clock in the afternoon. In the mean time I 
prepared the letter to M. Jules Favre which I send herewith, marked 
No. 1, and at 2.30 p. m., accompanied by the first secretary of legation, 
Colonel Wickham Hoffman, I took it in person to him. He received 
us with the utmost cordiality. After reading my letter he shook me 
very warmly by the hand, and thanked me for the communication, say- 
ing he would be very glad if I would telegraph to my government to 
express his gratitude and profound emotions. He then briefly ex- 
])lained the sitnation in which the government of the national defense 
found itself. He said that he was aware that the United States had 
hitherto refrained from taking any part whatever in the complications 
of European governments; however, he did not know but, under present 
circumstances, it might feel like tendering its good offices, and he wished 
to know if I should feel myself at liberty to take any action in that 
direction. I replied that I should not feel authorized to act in so grave 
a crisis without instructions from my government, particularly as I 
could advise with it on the subject by telegraph. On ray return to the 
legation I telegraphed to you as follows, part of the dispatch being in 
cipher : 

Paris, September 7, 1870. 
Have recognized republic. Favre expressed gratitude aud profound emotion. Re- 
quests United States to join other powers in intervention for peace. Hopes 1 may be 
instructed immediately. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 65 

About 2 o'clock p. m, yesterday M. Jules Favre called upon me in 
l)erson to thank my government in the name of that of the national 
defense, as well as in his own behalf, for its proini)t recognition of the 
republic and the tender of its felicitations. He again desired that I 
should transmit to the President and Cabinet at Washington the pro- 
found acknowledgments of the government of the national defense. I 
then communicated the dispatch of Mr. Davis in relation to his conver- 
sation with M. Berthemy, which I had just received. M. Favre smiled 
at the allusion to the attempt of the Emperor to found a monarchy on 
the southern borders, and replied that nothing could be more satisfac- 
tory than Mr. Davis's telegram; it was all they could desire. He then 
said he had answered my letter of the day before, and that it could be 
sent to me in the course of the afternoon. It was duly received, and I 
have the honor to send herewith a copy of it in the original French, 
together with a translation thereof. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure 1.] 

Mr. Waahburne to Mr. Favre. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, September 7, 1870. 

Sir: I have the honor to state that your communication of the 5th instant was re- 
ceived at this legation at 11 o'clock last night, in which you inform me that the gov- 
ernment of the national defense has, by a resolution of its members, confided to you 
the department of foreign aifairs. 

It affords me great pleasure to advise you that I have this morning received a tele- 
gi'aphic dispatch from my government Instructing me to recognize the government of 
the national defense as the government of France. 

I am, therefore, ready to put myself in communication with that government, and, 
under your permission, to transact all such business as may properly appertain to the 
functions with which I am charged. 

In making this communication to your excellency I beg to tender to yourself and to 
the members of the government of the national defeusi the felicitations of the gov- 
ernment and the people of the United States. They will have learned with enthusi- 
asm of the proclamation of a republic in France, accomplished without the shedding of 
one drop of blood, and they will associate themselves in heart and sympathy with that 
great movement, confident in the hope of the most beneficial results to the French 
people and to mankind. 

Enjoying the untold and immeasurable blessings of a republican form of govern- 
ment for nearly a century, the people of the United States can but regard with pro- 
foundest interest the efforts of the French people, to whom they are bound by the ties 
of a traditional friendship, to obtain such free institutions as will secure to them and 
to their posterity the inalienable rights of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." 
In conclusion, I desire to say to your excellency that I congratulate myself that I am 
to hold relations with the government of the national defense through a geotleman so 
distinguished as your excellency, and one so well known in my own country for his 
high character and his long and devoted services in the cause of human liberty and 
free government. 

I take this occasion to assure your excellency that I have the honor to be, with great 
respect, your obedient servant, 

E. B. VVASHBURNE. 

His Excellency Jules Favre, 

Minister of Foreign Affairs. 



[luclosure 2. — Translation.] 

Mr. Favre to Mr. Washburne. 

Paris, September 8, 1870. 
Sir; I look upon it as a happy augury for the French Republic that it has received 
as its first diplomatic support the recoguitiou of cue Government of the United States. 
S. Ex. 24 5 



66 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

No one can better remind us in words, both just and noble, of the inappreciable benefits 
of a republican goverument than the representative of a people which has given to the 
world the salutary example of absolute liberty. 

You have founded your wise and powerful institutions upon independence and upon 
civic virtue, and notwithstanding the terrible trials sustained by you, you have pre- 
served with an unshaken firmness your faith in that grand principle of liberty, from 
which naturally spring dignity, morality, and prosperity. 

Nations, masters of their own destinies, should strive to follow in your footsteps. 
They cannot be truly free unless they are devoted, fearless, moderate ; taking for their 
watchword the love of labor and respect for the right of all. This is the programme of 
the new-born Government of France, springing from the painful crisis provoked by the 
follies of despotism, but at the hour of its birth it can have no other thought than to 
save the country from the enemy. Here, too, it meets the example of your courage and 
your perseverance. 

You have sustained a gigantic contest, and you have conquered. Strong in the jus- 
tice of our cause, rejecting all lust of conquest, desiring only our independence and our 
liberty, we have firm hope of success. In the accomplishment of this task we count 
on the aid of all men of heart, and of all governments interested in the triumph of 
peace. The adhesion of the Cabinet of Washington would alone give us this confidence. 
The members of the government beg me to communicate to you all their gratitude for 
it, and to request you to transmit its expression to your government. 

For my part I am happy and proud that fortune has permitted me to be the link of 
union between two peoples bound together by so many glorious memories, and hence- 
forward by so many noble hopes, and I thank you for having, with so great kindness 
toward myself, expressed all which I feel toward you, as well as my desire to strengthen 
more and more the relations of aifectionate esteem which should unite us forever. 

Accept the assurances of the high consideration with which I have the honor to be, 
sir, your humble and obedient servant, 

JULES FAVRE. 

Mr. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States. 



No. 74. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

'Ko. 284.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, September 9, 1870. (Received September 22, 1870.) 
Sir : At about 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon a large crowd of French 
people came to the legation, bearing the French and American flags, 
repealing the cries, "Vive I'Am^rique!" ''Vive la France!" A delegation, 
composed of very respectable gentlemen, waited upon me in my private 
room and read a short address, begging that I would transmit to my 
government the thanks of a great number of French citizens for the 
promptness and cordiality with which it had recognized the French 
republic. I beg to transmit you a copy of the address to me and my 
response. 

1 have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Translation.] 

L:fiGATION DES ETAT UnIS, 

Paris, le 8 Septemhre, 1870—4 p. m. 
We come in the namo of a large number of French citizens, certain that we shall be 
apitroved and followed by the whole nation, to beg you to present our thanks to your 
government for the spontaneity with which it answered to the notification of our French 
republic. To you, sir, reverts a large part of our thanks for the gracious words which 
your heart dictated in communicating to us the recognition by your government. The 
French people will long remember the excellent words of the American minister. We 
did not expect less of this great and generous nation, whose aspirations and principles 
have always been in communion with the ideas of France. America and France are 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 67 

eiatprs, sisters as republics, that is to say, sisters in liberty. The ocean which sepa- 
rates US is less deep than the sentinieu's which unite us. 

GicNTLKMKN : On behalf of my jrovernment I thank you for this demonstration. I 
shall take pleasure in transmitting the thanks which you have so eloquently expressed 
for the action which the Government of the United States has taken in recognizinpj 
the new republic of France. In my communication, to which you so kindly allude, I 
only expressed the sentiments of the President and of the people of the United States. 
The American people feel the greatest interest iu the grand movement which has just 
been inaugurated in France, and will indulge in the most fervent wishes for its success, 
and for the happiness and prosperity of the French people. Living themselves under 
a republican form of government, they know how to appreciate its blessings, and to- 
day, with warm hearts and el queut words, they felicitate their ancient ally in the 
accomplishment of that peaceful and bloodless revolution which must challlenge the 
profound interest of all lovers of liberty throughout the world. 



No. 75. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 285.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, September 9, 1870. (Received September 22.) 
Sir : I have the houor to inclose you herewith the proclamation of the 
g:overnment of the national defense, together with certain decrees 
issued .yesterday, and appearing in the official journal this morning. 
You will perceive that an election is ordered for the 16th proximo for 
members of a national constituent assembly, to consist of one hundred 
and fifty delegates. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



— [Translation.] 

The Government of the national defense to the French people: 

Frenchmen: In proclaiming, four days since, the government of the national de- 
fense, we have ourselves defined our mission. Power lay postrate ; that which com- 
menced by an attempt finished by a desertion. We have only picked up the govern- 
ment which escaped from impotent hands. But Europe needs to be enlightened ; she 
Deeds to know, by irrefutable proof, that the country is with us. The invader must 
encounter upon his route not only the obstacle of an immense city resolved to perish 
rather than surrender, but a whole people, moreover, organized, represented, an assem- 
bly, in fine, which can carry into every place, in spite of every disaster, the living soul 
of the country. Therefore, the government of the national defense decrees — 

Akticle I. The electoral colleges are convoked for Sunday, the 16th of October, in 
order to elect a constituent national assembly. 

Article II. The electious will take place on the revision of the list, conformably to 
the law of the 15th ot March, 1849. 

Akticle III. The number of the members of the constituent assembly will be seven 
hundred. 

Akticle IV. The minister of the interior is charged with the execution of this de- 
ci'ee. 

Done at the Hotel de Ville of Paris, the 8th of September, 1870. 

General TROCHU. GARNIER-PAGllS, 

EMMANUEL ARAGO. GLAIS-BIZOIN. 

CRfiMIEUX. PELLETAN. 

JULES FAVRE. E. PICARD. 

JULES FERRY. ROCHEFORT. 

GAMBETTA. JULES SIMON. 

The minister of war, General LE FLO. 
The minister ad interim of marine and the colonies, 

Rear-Admiral DE DOMP PIERRE D'HORNOY. 
The minister of agriculture and commerce, M. MAGNIN, former deputy. 
The minister of public works, M. DORIAN. 



68 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

No. 76. 

3fr. WasJihurne to Mr. Bancroft. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, September 16, 1870. 
My Dear Colleague : After great exertions, I have at last got away- 
all the expelled Germans with the exception of the sick, and occasionally 
a stray child. I have still some funds to meet emergencies. 

I send this via London and it may perhaps be the last letter I may be 
able to send for some time. I see they telegraph all sorts of things from 
Berlin, with which your name is connected, and it may be so from here. 
I see the newspapers are putting all sorts of things into ray mouth, 
which I have never uttered, but there is no use in attempting to deny 
them. 

I am, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 
Hon. Geo. Bancroft, tj&c, So., do. 



No. 77. 

Mr. WasJiburne to Mr. Motley. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, September 10, 1870. 
My Dear Colleague : I have your note of yesterday. 
As soon as the regular communication between the two cities is inter- 
rupted, I shall arrange with Mr. Stevens, our dispatch agent in London, 
in regard to communicating with me, and when you have anything to 
send you will please send to him. 

1 felt very much obliged to you for the dispatches you were kind 
enough to send me. Whenever you have anything in the future which 
is important, and which we are not likely to have here, I will thank you 
to communicate by telegraph. 

Of course yon keep fully posted in regard to the wonderful events 
here. The peace and tranquillity of Paris is wonderful. But the Prus- 
sians advance, and what next ? 
Very truly, your friend, 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 
Hon. J. hi Motley, <&€., &g., &g. 



No. 78. 



Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

' [By cable.] 

Paris, September 12, 1870. (Eeceived September 12, 1870.) 
Government requests me to use my good offices, unofficially, and sim- 
ply as a citizen, to hold intercourse with Prussian government. Have 
declined until I can hear from you. Immediate answer important. 
I have, &c., 

WASHBUENE. 



• 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 69 

No. 79. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 286.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, September 13, 1870. (Received September 29.) 

Sir: Late on Sunday evening' last a gentleman, having intimate rela- 
tions with the government of the national defense, called upon me at 
my residence to know if I would not unofficially, and simply as a private 
individual, put myself in communication with the Prussian government, 
for the purpose of ascertaining its views in regard to peace. I told him 
I did not see how I could draw a line of demarkatiou between my 
unofficial and official character in a matter of that kind, and that I would 
not presume to take a step of that im|>ortance without instructions from 
my government. I said to him farther, however, that if the govern- 
ment here would intimate its wishes in that respect, 1 would put myself 
at once in telegraphic communication with you. 

Early yesterday morning I received a note from M. Jules Favre, 
thanking me for my otler to communicate with you, and expressing a 
hope that I might obtain your authorization to take the step indicated. 
I therefore telegraphed you at noon yesterday, and received your reply 
at 10 o'clock last night. On coming to my legation at 10 o'clock this 
morning, I found M. Jules Favre awaiting me to ascertain the charac- 
ter of the dispatch I had received from you. I read it to him and ex- 
plained to him fully how our government stood in the matter. While 
he seemed to appreciate our position, he was evidently a good deal dis- 
appointed, and was surprised to learn of the action of the Prussian Gov- 
ernment, as communicated by Mr. Bancroft, in rejecting intervention. 
On leaving, he thanked me cordially for what I had done, and said he 
hoped that while our government could not intervene officially, it would 
give the new republic of France its moral support. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 80. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 287.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, September 13, 1870. (Received September 29.) 
Sir: Contrary to the first notice, the government of the national de- 
fense has determined to remain in Paris, the minister of justice, M. Ore- 
mieux, only going away, and he goes to Tours. I intend, therefore, to 
remain at my post here, at least until circumstances shall make it my 

duty to go away. 

******* 

I have, &c., E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 81. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 
[By cable.] 
Paris, September 14, 1870. (Received September 14.) 
Paris making stupendous preparations for defense. Three hundred 



70 FEANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

thousand soldiers in city. Slight hopes of negotiations through Eng" 
laud. 

WASHBURNE. 



No. 82. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

1^0. 294.J LEaATION OF THE UNITED STATES, 

Paris, September 20, 1870. (Eeceived October 5.) 
Sir : I am making up a small dispatch to send to London by a gen- 
tleman who leaves at noon to-day. He may get through or he may not. 
All communication with Paris was cut yesterday morning, both by rail 
and by telegraph. As you will have seen, several members of the dip- 
lomatic body have already left and gone to Tours. They are. Lord 
Lyons, Prince Metternich, Mr. Nigra (the Italian minister), and the 
Turkish ambassador. They left without any consultation with the other 
members of the corps. 



I have, &c., 



E. B. WASHBUKNE. 



No. 83. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 295.] Legation of the United States, 

/ Paris, September 21, 1870. (Eeceived October 18.) 

I have the honor to inclose you herewith a correspondence I have had 
with some German citizens of the United States, in relation to the pro- 
tection afforded them by American passports, and which explains itself. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



rinclosure 1.] 

Messrs. Recht, Held, and Kayser to Mr. Washiurne. 

Dieppe, August 29, 1870. 
Dear Sir : Learning that a proclamation is issued by General Trochu expelling from 
Paris, as well as from France, all persons of German birth, or born in such country, at 
present at war with France, we, the undersigned, naturalized citizens of the United 
States, of German birth, but duly furnished with a valid passport, beg your excellency 
to inform them whether the said proclamation applies to them or prevents their tem- 
poral y sojourn here or in any other part of France. 

Your kind reply, per return mail, will very much oblige and relieve your very obe- 
dient servants, 

B. HECHT. 
MARK HELD. 
HENRY KAYSER. 
Hon. E. B. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States to France. 

P. S. — Please telegraph your reply to the undersigned, for which we beg you to find 
inclosed stamps. 

B. HECHT, 
Sotel du Rhine, Dieppe. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 71 

[Inclosure 2.) 

Mr. Washburne to Messrs. Hecht, Meld, and Eai/ser. 

Paris, August 31, 1870. 
Gknti.emen : I have thia inorniug received your letter of the 29th instant. 
I shall immediately telegraph you that the order of General Trochu doos not include 
naturalized citizens of the United States of German birth. Such persons are citizens of 
the United States, a7id all proper protection will be extended to them, under all circumstances 
and at all hazards. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 
Messrs. Hecht, Held, and Kaysek, Dieppe, France. 



No. 84. 

[Translation.] 
NOTE VERBALE. 

Berlin, September 23, 1870. (Received November 20.) 
The department of foreign affairs has the honor to inform the legation 
of the United States of America in France, in reply to the note verbale 
of the 24th of the past month, that, according to intelligence received 
from the minister of war, the French general, Abel Douay, killed at the 
battle of Woerth, was buried the next day in the cemetery of Wissem- 
burg, and that his body was not buried on a farm. 

To the Legation of the United States of America in France. 



No. 85. 
CIRCULAR TO THE FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVES. 

Berlin, September 26, 1870. 
Since the actual government in France have declined the armistice 
and made Paris the theater of war, and since a recognized government 
does not exist in Paris, and the de facto government is said to have 
been transferred to Tours, the undersigned has the honor to inform 
J ou that security of intercourse to, from, and in Paris exists but propor- 
tionally with military events. 
The undersigned avails himself, &c. 

VON THILE. 



No. 86. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 296.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, September 26, 1870. (Eeceived October 19.) 
Sir : I have the honor to inclose you herewith the proceedings of a 
meeting of the diplomatic corps, as drawn up by my private secretary, 
and which fnllv explain themselves. 

I have, &c., E. B. WASHBUENE. 



72 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

[Inclosure.J 
MEETING OF THE DIPLOMATIC COBPS. 

A meeting of the diplomatic corps having been convoked by the Pope's nuncio, the 
doyen of the corps, some twenty-two members of the body met at 11 o'clock a. m., 
Friday, September 23, 1870, at the residence of the nuncio. No. 102 St. Dominique, 
St. Germain, Paris. 

The nuncio stated his reasons for convoking the body. Their present position as 
diplomatic representatives was comparatively a useless one, as tbeir communications 
weie now cut off with their various governments. He considered it proper that they 
fchduld consult together and decide — 

First. Whether the time had come when it was proper for them to leave Paris. 

Secondly. Whether they would act together, or act separately. 

Thirdly. If it should be decided not to leave at the present time, that it should be 
detei mined what steps were to be taken to send and receive dispatches through the 
military lines. 

The nuncio thought the time had not yet arrived for the corps to leave. He thought 
it best for tbe members to act collectively, and he hoped measures would be taken ho 
that they could communicate with their governments. He concluded by asking a gen- 
eral expression of opinion. 

Mr. Kern, the Swiss minister, expressed a decided opinion that it was not proper for 
the body to leave now. The time for leaving would be, according to diplomatic usage, 
when the notice of bombardment had be^n received. He had thought strange of cer- 
tain members of the corps leaving without notice or consultation with their colleagues. 
He thought it was more dignified to remain and act collectively. He wished the nun- 
cio to take upon himself to communicate with the minister of foreign affairs and ob- 
tain all information possible in relation to communicating through the military lines, 
and to arrange for egress, if it should become necessary, of the diplomatic corps. 

After a few observations of Baron de Zuylen de Nyevelt, envoy extraordinary and 
minister plenipotentiary of Holland, and by Baron Beyens, envoy extraordinary and 
minister plenipotentiary of Belgium, Mr. Washburne remarked that he fully agreed 
with the opinions expressed by his colleagues who had spoken. He was obliged to the 
nuncio, who had taken the trouble to convoke the body, for, in the circumstances that 
existed, he considered it important that they should act in concert. He did not con- 
sider that the time had come for the diplomatic corps to leave, for he thought they 
should stay as long as possible, not only for the dignity of their own governments, but 
for the protection of such of their countrymen as might yet be in Paris. For himself, 
he wished to give to the government of the national defense such consideration as was 
due to it as a government recognized by the United States. He thought steps should 
be taken immediately to open communication through the lines for the dispatches of 
the diplomatic body, and that as soon as anything was accomplished, another meeting 
should be couvtJked. It would be unnecessary at the present meeting to take any 
steps in relation to going out of the city, as the emergency had not arisen to render it 
necessary to go. 

After fun her and informal expression of ojiinions, the nuncio consented to accept 
the mission confided to him, and he would reconvene the body at an early day to re- 
\ovt as to what had been done. 

The meeting then separattd. 



No. 87. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

ISo. 297.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, September 30, 1870. (Eeceived October 18.) 
Sir : I have the honor to send you herewith copies of a correspond- 
ence between the consuls general and consuls of Southern and Central 
America and myself (including a letter from the minister of foreign 
aftairs),in relation to mj according the protection of the Government of 
the United States to the arms, flags, residences, &(i., of their respective 
consulates. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 73 

[Inclosuro 1. — Translation.] 
Consuls-General and Consuls to Mr. Washburne. 

Paris, Sepfemher 22, 1870. 

Mr. Minister: The undersigned, E. Tibergheim Ackermau, cousnl-general of the 
Oriental Rc^pnblic of Uruguay; Jules Thirlou, of the Dominican Republic; Gabriel 
Lafond de Lurcy, consul-general of the republic of Costa Rica ; B. Fourguet, con- 
sul-general of the republic of Ecuador; Francisco Fernandez Rodella, consul-gen- 
eral of the republic of Chili; Ludovic Janre, consul of the republic of Paraguay; 
Eugene Thirion, cousnl of the republic of the United States of Venezuela, considering 
that they are clothed with consular functions by Southern and Central American re- 
publics, who have no accredited diplomatic rei)resentativeH in Europe, or whose chiefs 
of legation are absent from Paris; consideinng that, in the present grave circumstances 
and the possibility of the occupation of the city of Paris by the Prussian armies, who 
may attack the persons and property of neutrals whose governments have treaties of 
friendship and commerce with Prussia or with the German states at war with France; 
considering, finally, that the undersigned consular officers do not find themselves suffi- 
ciently protected, inasmuch as their isolated or collective action toward the Prussian 
government is deprived of that diplomatic character and sanction which can alone 
insure its etficiency; for these motives the undt^rsigned, invoking the sentiments of 
union and fraternity which should unite states having republican institutions in com- 
mon, have the honor to pray you, sir, in the name of the law of nations, of justice, and 
of humanity, to take under the official protection of the United States of America the 
chanceries of the above-mentioned republics. 

The undersigned hope, sir, that in case of attack or the occupation of Paris, you will 
kindly interpose your good offices diplomatically with the Prussian headquarters, and 
take such measures as you may judge proper that the Prussian trooxis maybe obliged 
to respect the arms, flags, residences, persons, and families of the undersigned, as well 
as their fellow-citizens, respectively, who may seek shelter with them, by covering in 
this manner the undersigned and the interests they represent with the powerful inter- 
vention of the United States Government. 

It is worthy of a great power like the American nation to lend its protecting aid to 
sister and friendly republics who have not yet acquired the necessary development to 
make right stronger than force in Europe. 

Such an act of good will on your part, sir, solicited by the undersigned, is perfectly 
legitimate, in viewof events and of the present position. 

It will be received gratefully by the governments of the undersigned, and will con- 
stitute a debt of gratitude which can only draw closer the bonds of active and cordial 
sympathy which bind them to the glorious republic founded by Washington. 

The undersigned beg you, sir, to kindly receive the assurances of their highest consid- 
eration and of their profound respect. 

JULES THIRION, 

Consul-General de la E4puhlique Dominicaine. 
E. TIBERGHEIM ACKERMAN, 

Consul- General of Uruguay. 
GEO. LAFOND, 

Consul General of Costa Bica to France. 
E. FOURGUET, 

Consul-General of Ecuador. 
FRANCISCO FERNANDEZ RODELLA, 

Consul-General of the Republic of Chili. 
LUDOVIC JANRfi, 

Consul of the Republic of Paraguay. 
EUGENE THIRION, 
Consul of the Republic of the United States of Venezuela. 



[Inclosure 2.] 

Mr. Washburne to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

Legation op the United States, 

Paris, September 24, 1»70. 
The following-named consuls-general and consuls at Paris, to wit, E. Tibergheim 
Ackerman, consul-general of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay ; Jules Thirion, consul- 



74 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

general of the Dominican Republic; Gabriel Lafond de Lurcy, consul-general of the 
republic of Costa Rica ; B. Fourguet, consul-general of the republic of Ecuador ; 
Francisco Fernandez Rodella, cansol-gnneral of the republic of Chili ; Ludovio 
Janr6, consul of the republic of Paraguay ; Eugene Thirion, consul of the republic 
of the United States of Venezuela, who are clothed with consular functions by 
the Southern and Central American Republics, state to me that they have either 
no accredited diplomatic representative in Europe, or that the chiefs of such 
legations as have representatives at Paris are absent from the city. Considering, there- 
fore, the grave circumstances at present existing in Paris, they have done me the honor 
to request that I might, as the representative of a sister and friendly republic, extend 
my good offices and friendly protection to the arms, flags, and residences of their con- 
sulates-general and consulates, as well as to their fello^v-citizens finding themselves in 
Paris. 

As I am without the means of communication with my government on the subject, 
I shall assume that it would desire me, under the circumstances, to extend my good 
offices and protection in every proper manner, but with the knowledge and consent of 
the government of the national defense. I have the honor therefore to submit this 
matter to the consideration of your excellency, with a request that you may inform 
me if the consent of your government will be given to me to extend my good offices 
and protection as herein indicated, and in a manner in conformity with the law of 
nations and the amity that exists between friendly powers. 

I take this occasion to renew to your excellency the assurance of the distinguished 
consideration with which I am your excellency's obedient servant, 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure 3.] 
The Minister of Foreign Affairs to Mr. WasJiburne. 

Paris, Septeniber 26, 1870. 

Sir : You did me the honor to write me on the 24th of this month to inform me of 
the wish expressed to you by the consuls-general and by the consuls of the republics, 
viz : Dominican, of Uruguay, of Costa Rica, of Ecuador, of Chili, of Paraguay, and 
of Venezuela, to place under our protection, and to confide to your good offices, the 
arms, flags, and residences of the consulates, as well as their fellow-countrymen residing 
in Paris. 

I hasten to inform you that the government of the national defense, to whom I have 
submitted this request, has authorized me to receive it favorably. Tlie foreign consuls 
certainly could not make a choice which would be more acceptable to us than that of 
the representative of the United States. However, as certain of them are French, it 
should be understood that (conformably, too, to what is stipulated in their exequaturs) 
the favor solicited by them is not to have the effect of keeping them personally from 
the obligations and duties imposed upon them in their quality of Frenchmen. The 
position in France of the citizens of the republic of South America, in time of war as 
in time of peace, is settled by treaties. As far as those republics are concerned which 
have made choice of Frenchmen as consuls, the application of the measures of favor 
stipulated in those treaties can extend only to the archives of the consulates and to 
the foreigners depending upon them, and this only for what depends upon the compe- 
tency or the powers of the French administration. 
Receive the assurances, &c., 

JULES FAVRE. 



[Inclosure 4.] 

Mr. Washhurne to the Consuls-General and Consuls. 

Paris, Septeniber 30, 1S70. 
Gentlemen : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication 
of the 22d instant, asking that, in the present grave circumstances existing in Paris, 
I might interpose my good offices to protect the arms, flags, residences, &c., of your 
respective consulates. Not being able to communicate with my government on the 
subject, I took it for granted that on account of the warm feeling of friendship it feels 
for its sister republics, it would most willingly have me assume all the good offices and 
protection which I could properly render in the premises. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 75 

I deemed it proper, however, before f!;iving yo\i this assurance, to advise the govern- 
ment of the national defense of your request, and to ask its permission to act in accord- 
ance therewith, in a manner in conformity with the law of nations and the amity 
tliat exi.-ts between friendly powers. I have had the honor to receive a reply from 
his excellency Jules Favre, the minister of foreign affairs, a copy of which I beg leave 
to inclose herewith for your information. In accordance, therefore, with the assent 
accorded by the government of the national defense, and with the qualiKcatious indi- 
cated in the letter of the minister of foreign affairs, I have the pleasure of placing my- 
self at your disposition and to offer you the good ofQces and friendly protection of my 
govern meut, so far as they may be in accordance with usage and public law in such 
cases. 

My government will feel highly complimented by the distinguished mark of confi- 
dence shown to it by its sister republics of Central and South America. The govern- 
ment and the people of the United States take the deepest interest in all that concerns 
thtir welfare and happiness, and they will cordially reciprocate the sentiments of fra- 
ternity and sympathy which you have so kindly expressed. 

I have the honor to request that you will accept, individually, the assurance of the 
distinguished consideration with which I have honor to be, with great respect, your 
very obedient servant, 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 

To Messieurs — 

E. TlBEKGHEIM ACKERMAN, 

Co7isul-General of the Oriental Bepuilicof Uruguay. 
Jules Thirion, 

Consul- General of the Dominican Bepuhlic. 
Gabriel Lafond de Lurcy, 

Consul- General of the Republic of Costa Bica. 

B. FOURGUET, 

Consul-General of the Bepuhlic of Ecuador. 
Francisco Fernandez Rodella, 

Consul-General oj the Bepuhlic of Chili. 
LuDOVic Janre, 

Consul of the Bepuhlic of Paraguay, 
Eugene Thirion, 

Consul of the Bepuhlic of the United States of Venszmla. 



No. 88. 

Mr. Wasliburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 299.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, October 3, 1870. (Received October 18.) 

Sir : Much to my surprise and gratification General Burnside and 
Paul Forbes, esq., made their appearance at my house this morning at 
8.30 o'clock. They were courteously permitted to come through the 
Prussian lines by Count Bismarck, and to bring me a small dispatch- 
bag, made up by Mr. Stevens, on the 23d ultimo, in London. It con- 
tained the dispatch of Mr. Davis of the 8th ultimo, and New York 
dates to the 10th. 

These gentlemen are the first and only persons who have entered Paris 
from the Prussian lines for two weeks. I have sent dispatches out on 
two or three different occasions by persons leaving the city, but have 
not before to-day received anything whatever from outside of the city. 

Of course I kuow nothing of the Prussian force around Paris, nor 
anything of their i^lans or operations. As to matters in Paris, I can 
only say that there has been the most wonderful change in the last two 
weeks. The report of Jules Favre seems to have changed the face of 
things entirely. All Paris is now apparently united and determined. 
They claim to have five hundred thousand troops in the city. Ten 



76 PEANCO GERMAN WAR 

thousand sailors man their outer forts, w^hich are mostly supplied with 
naval guns of the heaviest caliber. 
The inner defenses are wonderfully strong. 

The diplomatic corps has come to no decision in regard to leaving 
Paris, I expect we shall know to-day the decision of the Prussian au- 
thorities in regard to our sending out and receiving our dispatches. I 
think there must be some three hundred of our countrymen now in Paris, 
and many of them are anxious to get away. It is now doubtful whether 
they will be permitted to go out, either by the French or Prussian au- 
thorities. I would, no doubt, be permitted to leave at any time, but 
should permission to depart be refused to my countrymen, I should con- 
sider it my duty to remain. However anxious I might be myself to get 
away, I should deem it a species of cowardice to avail myself of my 
diplomatic privilege to depart and leave my natvynaujc behind me to 
take care of themselves. I am certain such a course w )ulil not meet 
with the approbation of my government, as it certainly would not of 
my own conscience. If, however, such Americans as may want to de- 
part are permitted to go, I may then leave whenever I think the inter- 
est of my goverumeut would be better served by my being out of Paris 
than by remaining in it. 



I have, &c., 



E. B. WASHBURi^E. 



No. 89. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 301.] LsaATION OF THE UNITED STATES, 

Paris, October 4., 1870. (Received November — , 1870.) 
Sir : General Burnside and Mr. Forbes left to go through the Prussian 
lines yesterday. The general took the bag, in which I had inclosed 
several dispatches. My colleague of the diplomatic corps, Mr. Gaicedo, 
the minister resident of the United States of Colombia, expects to leave 
to-morrow morning, and I propose intrusting this dispatch to him to be 
delivered to Mr. Stevens in London. The diplomatic corps has received 
no answer to the application to the Prussian authorities to be permitted 
to send a courier through the military lines to take official dispatches to 
their respective governments. Count Bismarck writes to Jules Favre 
that such permission will be granted only on the condition that such dis- 
patches shall be unsealed and subject to the inspection of the Prussian 
authorities and contain nothing in relation to the war. For myself, I 
determined instantly that I would not send dispatches under any such 
conditions, for I assumed that the Government of the United States 
would permit no other government to examine the official dispatches of 
its diplomatic representatives. At a meeting of the corps this morning 
to consider the question, it was unanimously determined not to accept 
any such condition. The Prussian authorities will be advised of that 
decision, and no other application will be made to them. If the siege 
continue, and I remain in Paris, it will be for you to determine as to the 
measures to be taken to hold official communication with me. 

It seems that the nuncio, acting as the doyen of the diplomatic corps, 
had requested Jules Favre to ask Count Bismarck to advise the corps 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 77 

■whenever the bombardment of the city was to take place. That fact 
only came to my knowledge yesterday, and I sent word to Count Bis- 
marck, by General Burnside, that I had nothing to do with such a re- 
quest, as I conceived that, according to the laws of war, the diplo- 
matic corps had a right to a notification of bombardment without ask- 
ing for it. 

1 have, &c., 

B. B. WASHBUENE, 



No. 90. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 302.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, October 8, 1870. (Received November 9, 1870.) 
Sir : I have the honor to inclose you herewith certain proceedings of 
meetings held by the diplomatic corps, which may be taken in connec- 
tion with my dispatch No. 301, under date of the 4th instant, and which 
are in a measure explanatory thereof. 
I have, &c.- 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inolosure.] 
MEETING OF THE DIPLOMATIC COEP8. 

Id accordance with a previous notice, the diplomatic corps met at the residence of 
the Pope's nuncio at eleven o'clock on Tuesday, the 4th day of October, 1870. Twenty- 
one members of the corps were present. 

The nuncio reported to the meeting that, in pursuance of the previous action of the 
body, he bad seen Mr. Jules Favre, and had verb:illy requested him to communicate 
witli Count Bismarck for the purpose of ascertaining, first, whether he would give no- 
tice to the diplomatic corps of a bombardment ; and, second, whether he would permit 
a courier to pass the Prussian military lines to takeout and bring in ofiBcial dispatches 
for the members of the body. After a long delay Mr. Jules Favre had received the re- 
sponse of Count Bismarck, the substance of which he had in his hands and would read. 
As to the first matter. Count Bismarck said that he was unable at the moment to state 
what the necessities of the war might require ; and, touching the request for a courier, 
he would allow one to pass the lini s once a week to bear official dispatches, provided 
such dispatches should not be sealed and have no reference to the war. The nuncio 
said the first answer was evasive, and that the condition imposed in relation to the 
manner of sending dispatches would render it impossible for the diplomatic body to 
avail themselves of Count Bismarck's oft'er. 

Mr. Kern, the minister from Switzerland, said there had been a misapprehension as 
to the communication to Count Bismarck. It should not have been a communication 
by Jules Favre to Bismarck, but the nuncio should, as the organ of the diplomatic 
corps, have written direct to him and sent it through Fkvre as tlie intermediary. In 
regard to the inquiry which had been directed to Count Bismarck touching the bom- 
bardment, he certainly should have strongly protested against it. The diplomatic 
corps had a right by the laws of war to a notice of bombardment, and tbe body had 
been placed in a false position by requesting something which they had a rigut to 
without asking for it.* 

Baron Beyens, the Belgian minister, expressed himself as not being very clear in re- 
gard to the questions which had been raised ; some of the people in the foreign office 
had told him that the diplomatic corps had no right to -.i notice of bombardment. Mr. 
Kern replied he considered such opinions of no value; he had himself studied the ques- 
tion, and he had no doubts on the subject. He would further say, in relation to the 
courier, that, as a matter of courtesy due to their resjiective governments, the diplo- 

*As to availing himself of a courier to take bis dispitches. hw would reject it at once, as the coudi- 
tion was disrespectful not only to his government but to himself. 



78 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

itiatic corps had a right to be advised by the Prussian authorities of their intention to 
cut off tlieir communications with their governments. Baron de Zuylen de Nyevelt, 
minister of Holland, said the Prussian authorities ought to be informed at once of the 
presence of the diplomatic corps in Paris, and that they rejected the offer of a courier 
on the terms proposed. 

Mr. P. Galvez, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary from Peru, said that 
body owed it to the countries they represented, to the dignity of the diplomatic service, 
as well as to themselves, to respond negatively to Count Bismarck's proposicion to have 
their official correspondence sent unsealed. 

Mr. Washburne, minister of T.he United States, said there seemed to have been a mis- 
apprehension in regard to the character of the communication sent by Mr. Jules Favre, 
on behalf of the diplomatic corps, to Count Bismarck. He had not understood that a 
request had been sent to have notice given to the diplomatic corps when the bombard- 
ment would take place. He conceived th^t no such requesr, should have been made, 
for the diplomatic body had a right to that notice without asking for it. He would 
further reject instantly any concession of a courier coupled with the condition that 
his dispat hes should go unsealed. He would not write a dispatch to his government 
which would have to be submitted to the inspection of any other government on the 
face of the earth. 

Mr. Kern, Baron de Zuylen de Nyevelt, and Mr. Washburne were then joined to the 
nuncio, as a committee to draw up a communication, to be signed by all the members 
of the corps in Paris, to be sent to Count Bismarck; the same to be submitted to a 
future meeting for approval. 

October 5, 1870. 



Mr. Kern, Baron Nyevelt, and Mr. Washburne met at the residence of the nuncio, at 
2 o'clock p. m., to agree upon the answer to be made to Count Bismarck. Mr. Kern sub- 
mitted the projbt of an answer, which was agreed to, and the nuncio was requested to 
notify the members of the diplomatic body to meet at his residence the next day, at 11 
o'clock a. m., to act upon it and to sign it if it met their views. 

October 6. 1870. 



The members of the diplomatic body met in accordance with the notice given by the 
nuncio yesterday. The committee submitted the answer to Count Bismarck that had 
been drawn up, which was unanimously agreed to and signed by all the members. 

The communication is hereto annexed. 

Diplomatic Corps to Count Bismarck. 

The undersigned, members of the diplomatic corps residing at Paris, had the honor 
to send to your excellency, on the 24th of September last, the expression of their wish, 
that a c jurier, carrying their official dispatches, might pass the lines of the besieging 
army every week on days to be hereafter named, and proceed to some point whence a 
regular postal communication could be assured. 

The minister of foreign affairs of France has informed us, by a letter of October 3, 
that he had the day before received as the reply of your excellency, " that a diplomatic 
courier could not pass the lines of the besieging troops except upon condition that the 
dispatches be unsealed and treat of no subject relating to the war." 

We should have made it a duty, as regards the contents of our dispatches, to conform 
scrupulously to the obligations imposed during a siege upon diplomatic agents by the 
rules and usages of international law. 

On the other hand, our position as diplomatic agents, and our obligations toward, 
our governments, do not permit us to accept the other condition, viz, to address to them 
unsealed dispatches only. 

If this last condition is to be maintained, it will be impossible for the diplomatic 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 79 

representatives of the neutral states, to their deep regret, to keej) up official coramuni- 
caiiou with their respective governments. 
Receive, sir, the assurance of, &c., &c., &c. 
Pa JUS, October 6, 1870. 

FLAVIUS, 
The Apostolic Nuncio, Arclibiahop of Myre. 
KERN, 

Minister of the Swiss Confederation. 
BR. ADELSWAERD, 

Minister of Sweden. 
CTE. DE MOLTKE HAUFELDT, 

Minister of Denmark. 
BR. BEYENS, 

Minister of Belgium. 
LOPEZ DE AROSEMENA, 
Secretaire Charge d'' Affaires des Legations de Honduras et de Salvador. 
BR. DE ZUYLEN DE NYEVELT, 

Ministre des Pays Bae. 
HENRIQUE L. MATTEN, 

Charge d' Affaires du BrMl. 
VTE. DE LANCA8TRE, 

Charg4 d' Affaires du Portugal. 
E. B, WASHBURNE, 

Ministre des £tats- Unis. 
TORRES CAICEDO, 
Ministre Resident des Mats-JJnis de Colomiie. 

DUG D'ACQUAIEVA, 
Charg4 d' Affaires de Monaco ei San Marino. 
WILLIAM MARTIN, 

Chargi d' Affaires de Hawai. 
JULES THIRION, 
Chargi d' Affaires de la liepuhlique Dominicaine. 
V. DE BALLIVRAN Y RODAS, 

Ministre de Bolivie. 
P. GALVEZ, 

Ministre du P4rou. 



No. 91. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 303.] Legation of the Fnited States, 

Paris, October 9, 1870. (Received Noveiuber 9.) 
Sir : I came to the legation late last uight to write you a dispatch to 
send out by the minister of the United States of Colombia, who was to 
have left this morning. On my arrival I was both surprised and grati- 
fied to learn that General Burnside and Mr. Forbes had returned to the 
city. They very soon afterward reported themselves and explained the 
reason of their visit. In several interviews with Count Bismarck, lie 
expressed the idea that it would be well to have certain suggestions con- 
veyed to Mr. Jules Favre in relation to an armistice, for the purpose of 
enabling the French people to elect a constituent assembly. You will 
recollect that was the matter which was talked of in the interview between 
Favre and Bismarck, and that the former rejected it because it was in- 
sisted that, as a condition to such an armistice, the Prussian army should 
have possession of some of the forts about Paris. It is evident that both 
powers desire a convention of the people of France; Prussia, because 
she wants a more substantial power to treat with than the present pro- 
visional government; France, because the government of the national 
defense do not want to take the responsibility of making a treaty, but 
desire that any treaty to be made should be made by a power emanating 



80 FEANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

directly from the whole people, acting through a constituent assembly. 
Count Bismarck authorized General Burnside to suggest to Mr. Jules 
Favre that he would yield the qaestion of the forts and would grant an 
absolute armistice of forty-eight hours for holding an election, and give 
every facility for a fair election, for the distribution of tickets and cir- 
culars, for a committee to go out of Paris, as well as for the departure 
of the members elected from the city of Paris, and to render themselves 
wherever the convention should be held, &c. In addition, it was sug- 
gested that a sort of semi-armistice might be agreed upon, to extend over 
a sufticieut time to permit the convention to be held; that is to say, 
there should be no firing; but that the Prussians should be permitted to 
bring up their guns and provisions, and that everything in Paris should 
remain in statu quo. 

I accompanied the two gentlemen this morning to see Mr. Jules Favre, 
and we had an interview of an hour. The whole subject was gone over, 
and Mr. Favre stated the objections to Count Bismarck's suggestions. 
He is, however, to see his colleagues on the subject to-night, and we are 
to have another interview with him to-morrow morning in season. I 
hope to give you an account of it before General Burnside shall leave 
to-morrow noon. I trust some starting-point may be found, so that ne- 
gotiations with a view to peace may be entered upon. In accordance 
with your instructions, if both parties shall signify a desire for the good 
offices of our government disconnected with the European powers, I 
shall feel authorized to extend them in a proper manner. 

Monday noon, October 10, 1870. 
I have this moment returned from a long interview between General 
Burnside and Mr. Forbes, Mr. Jules Favre and General Trochu. As 
the flag of truce is waiting to take our countrymen into the Prussian 
lines, 1 have time to say but one word, and that is, that the parties are 
a long way aptCrt, and that there is hardly a possibility that anything 
will be accomplished. The door, however, is left open, and it is barely 
possible that something may be accomplished in the future. 



1 have, i&c. 



E. B. WASHBURNE. 



ISTo. 92. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

E"o. 304.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, October 18, 1870. (Eeceived November 8.) 
Sir : I have not had the honor to receive from you any communica- 
tion since the last dispatch I addressed to you, No. 303, and dated the 
9th instant, and which 1 send out by General Burnside. I had go out 
with the general the messenger of this legation, Antoine Schinit, with 
the expectation that the Prussian authorities would permit him to go to 
Loudon with the bag and bring back to me here the bags for this lega- 
tion that have arrived there within the last three or four weeks. I may 
here state that I have nothing from the Department since the 8th ultimo. 
How much longer I am to remain without instructions, advice, or com- 
munication from my government, I cannot tell. My messenger went as 
far as Versailles, near the Prussian headquarters, and although Gen- 
eral Burnside urged that he might be permitted to go to Loudon with 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 81 

the bag and return, bringing back other bags permission was refused. 
The Prussian authorities wouUl permit him to go to London witli the 
bag but they would not allow him to retur.'i. In obedience to my in- 
instructions he did not go on, but returned to Paris last Friday night. 
General Burnside sent word by liim that he would take charge of the 
bag himself and deliver it in London. 

I have kept you fully advised as to what the dif/loraatic corps has 
done in relation to keeping up communication with their resi)ective 
governments. With what I have sent you and with what you will have 
received froni the Prussian Government, you will have had the whole 
case before you. 

Since my last dispatch, I have received from Count de Bismarck the 
letter, a copy of which I send herewith, marked L I send also a copy 
of a letter from the count to the Pope's nuncio, marked 2, which I 
presume you have also received from the Prussian Government. I fur- 
ther send the circular of M. von Thile, marked 3. * 

You will perceive that Count de Bismarck, in his very friendly and 
courteous note to me, declares his readiness to have my dispatches to 
my government conveyed by his weekly messengers to Loudon, to be 
delivered in the manner designated, &c. I presume it is implied that 
his messengers would bring the dispatches of my government to me. 
If not, the concession has little value. The permission accorded to me 
by Count de Bismarck is on account of the anomalous position I occupy 
toward the Prussian government, and is not conceded as a matter of 
right. I have made no answer to that part of the count's letter, leaving 
it to be determined by you, unembarrassed by anything I may have 
said, how far the Government of the United States will claim the abso- 
lute right to communicate with its representative to a friendly power, 
situated as I am. 
I hav^e, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure 1 ] 
Count Bismarck to Mr. Washburne. 

Versailles, Ocfoier 10, 1870. 

Your Excellency: The exceptional position yon occupy makes it iucnmbeut on 
me to give yn an answer separate and different from tliat I am going to return to 
the other diplomats who have signed the collective letter of the 6th instant, on the 
subject of communication with- their respective governments. You have been good 
enough, in compliance with the desire of your government, to take upon yourself the 
officious protection of the Germans residing in France. For this reason alone I should 
not have sent off my answer without adding the expression of my sincere thanks for 
the zeal and good will you have bestowed upon the very troublesome task of assisting 
my unfortunate countrymen expelled by the Fieuch in glaring contradiction to the 
usages of civilized nations. 

As to the subject in question, I regret that reasons of a military character should 
make it absolutely impossible to allow, as a rule, messengers to pass through our lines ; 
considering that it is not in the power of even the most honorable correspondent to 
make himself responsible for what the messenger may bear or communicate, besides 
what he is authorized to carry. 

We cannot bnt maintain the principle set forth in my letter to Mr. Jules Favre, of 
the 26th of last month, a translation of which yon find in the inclosed copy of the 
North German Correspondent. I beg further to add a translation of a circular of M. 
de Thile, bearing upon the same subject. With respect to the American embassy, 
however, it being accredited already with the French Republic, and officiously charged 
with the representation of our interests, the case is different, and I willingly declare 
my readiness to have any dispatches they may address to their respective governments, 

* See page 71. 
S. Ex. 24 6 



82 FRANCO-GEKMAN WAR. 

conveyed by our weekly messengers to the embassy of the United States in London, 
provided the dispatches be delivered by the French outposts to ours under flag of 
truce. It is the individual character of our relation with the American embassy 
which has caused us already to allow Mr. Burnside and Mr. Forbes, to go there and back 
between this and Paris, both of them being gentlemen whose loyalty removes every 
apprehension as to any misuse of that privilege. Perhaps I may be permitted to avail 
myself of the present opportunity to state that this liberality of ours has been 
rewarded by those excellent cigars you have been kind enough to send me. I pray 
your excellency to receive the assurance of the very high regard and most distin- 
guished conpideration with which I have the honor to be. 
Your humble, obedient servant, 

BISMARCK. 



flnclosure 2.1 

Count Bismarck to the papal nuncio. 

Versailles, Octoler 10, 1870. 
Sir: I have had the honor to receive the letter of the 6th October instant, by which 
the members of the diplomatic corps still residing at Paris have seen fit to inform me 
that it would be impossible for them to keep up official correspondence with their re- 
spective governments if the condition prescribing that they should forward only open 
di8t>atches should be insisted upon. 

When the continuation of the siege of Paris was rendered inevitable by the refusal 
of an armistice by the French Government, the government of the King, of its own mo- 
tion, by a circular note of the secretary of state, Mr. de Thile, of the 26th September 
last (of which I have the honor to send you a copy), notified the agents of the neutral 
powers accredited to Berlin that liberty of communication with Paris would exist 
henceforth only so far as military events would permit. The same day I received at 
Ferri^res a communication from the minister of foreign affairs of the government of the 
national defense, which informed me of the wish expressed by the members of the 
diplomatic corps to be authorized to send their dispatches to their governments by 
weekly couriers, and I did not hesitate, in conformity with the rules of international 
law, to make a reply, dictated by the necessities of the military situation ; acopy of which 
I also transmit to your excellency. The representatives of the present power (govern- 
ment?) have seen fit to establish the seat of their government in the midst of the for- 
tifications of Paris, and to choose that city and its environs as the theater of the war. 
If the members of the diplomatic corps who have been accredited to a preceding gov- 
ernment have decided to share with the government of the national defense the incon- 
veniences inseparable from a residence in a besieged fortress, it is not the government 
of the King wliich is responsible for it. 

Whatever may be our confidence tbat the signers of the letter of October 6 would 
conform, in their communications addressed to their governments, to the obligations 
which their presence in a besieged fortress imposes upon the diplomatic agents accord- 
ing to the laws of war, we must provide for the possibility tTiat the importance, of cer- 
tain facts in a military point of view may escape them. It Is evident, too, tbat they 
cannot furnish us the same guarantees for the messengers whom they may employ, 
and whom we shall be obliged to let pass and repass through our lines. 

There has been created at Paris a state of things to which modern history furnishes 
no precise analogy in the point of view of international law. A government at war 
with a power which has not yet recognized it, shuts itself up in a besieged fortress, and 
'finds itself there surrounded by a part of the diplomatists who were accredited to a 
■government which has been superseded by the government of the national def-nse. 

In presence of a situation so irregular it is difficult to establish, on the basis of the 
law of nations, rules which should be free from doubt in all points of view. I hope 
that your excel^ncy will not fail to recognize the justness of these observations, 
and will appreciate the considerations which prevent me, to my great regret, from 
consenting to the wish expressed in the letter of the 6tLi of October. If, however, 
the signers cannot admit the justness of these considerations, the governments which 
they represent at Paris, and to which I shall hasten to communicate this correspond- 
ence, will consult on their side, aud will put themselves in communication with 
the government of the King for an examination of the questions of the law of na- 
tions which grow ont of the abnormal situation which events and the measures of 
the government of the national defense have created at Paris. 
Receive, &c., 

BISMARCK. 
Monseigneur Chigi, 

Nonce ApostoUque d, Paris. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 83 

No. 93. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

jSTo. 305.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, October 18, 1870. (Received November 9.) 
Sir: Many of onr conntryraen, shut in by the investment of Paris, 
having become very anxious to leave the city, I asked General Burnside 
to procnre, if possible, the ijermissiou of the Prussian authorities to go 
through their military lines. The general having advised me that 
Count de Bismarck had authorized him to say that he would permit all 
Americans to go through their lines that 1 would ask for, I yesterday 
made application to the French Government for authority to the citizens 
of the United States to leave the city and go through their military lines. 
Just as I was about to close my dispatches to send out early in the morn- 
ing, I received the letter from Mr. Jules Favre which I have the honor 
to send herewith. 1 must confess that I was very much surprised and 
disappointed. If the decision is adhered to in its full force, the disap- 
pointment to large numbers of our countrymen now in Paris will be 
very great. I estimate that there are between two hundred and two 
hundi'ed and flfty Americans now in Paris, and that about one hundred 
of them are anxious to leave. Among this number desirous of going 
away are found many cut off from their communications from home, who 
are without funds, and who have no means whatever of living. If the 
siege continues for a long tiine, and they cannot get away, their condi- 
tion must become deplorable in the extreme. I need not say that matters 
are becoming very embarrassing, but I hope we shall get through in 
some satisfactory way. I shall look further into this matter of the de- 
parture of our people, and write you by the first opportunity. 
1 have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



[Inclosnre. — Translation.] 

Mr. Favre 1o Mr. Washhurne. 

Paris, Octoier 18, 1870. 

Sir and Dear Minister : Confortnably to the desire wliich you have done me the 
honor to express to me yesterday, I transmit to your excellency the letter addressed to 
the minister of war, to notify him of r.he departure or your courier. 1 beg you to send 
it to him at once, with notice of the precise hour of his departure. 

As regards the permission solicited by a number of your countrymen to pass our 
lines to leave Paris, I have askeii for it from the only competent authority, that is to 
say, from the governor of Paris. He was of opinion that tlie difficulties raised by this 
request, being political as well as military, the government ought to examine them. 
The government has done so, with a strong desire to be agreealjle personally, and to 
give to your nation a new proof of its sincere cordiality. But however powerful are 
these considerations upon our minds, we have been checked by the absolute impossi- 
bility which we find ourselves in of satisfying the requests of a similar nature which 
are constantly made. The number of strangers who have not leit Paris is very great ; 
many of them have asked of us permission to leave Paris, which we have been obliged 
to refuse for reasons of defense, of which your excellency will, without doubt, appre- 
ciate the value. To grant them would be to annul our military operations; to make 
exceptions would be to create an unjustifiable privilege. I have therefore the regret 
to notify your excellency that the government is of opinion that permission to leave 
Paris during the siege can only be granted to persons clothed with a diplomatic char- 
acter. 

I beg your excellency to believe that it is extremely painful to me not to be able to 
be agreeable to you. It is one of the griefs which war imposes upon us, and it is one 
of those to which I can least easily reconcile myself. 
I beg your excellency, &c., &.C., 

JULES FAVRE. 



84 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

No. 94. 

Count Bismarck to Mr. Washburne. • 

Versailles, October 19, 1870. 
Sir: I had the honor to receive your letter, dated the 17th instant, 
concerning the withdrawal of American citizens from Paris. In answer, 
I beg to say that your countrymen will be permitted to pass through 
our lines if provided with pjissports delivered by you and stating that 
they are citizens of the United States. The departure should be taken 
by the Porte de Cr^teil. Eecent experiences, and a decision adopted in 
consequence by our military authorities, make it necessary that all per- 
sons leaving Paris for the purpose of passing through our lines should 
be earestly warned that they are not allowed to carry any parcels, 
letters, or communications whatsoever besides those to be delivered to 
our outposts, and that any contravention in this respect will unfailingly 
bring down upon them the full rigor of martial law. 1 beg you will be 
good enough to have it stated on the passports that the bearer has been 
warned accordingly. 

With the expression of my highest respect, I remain, sir, &c.. &c., 

V. BISMARCK. 
His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

Minister of the United iStates of America, Paris. 



No. 95. 

Count Bismarck to Mr. Washburne. 

Versailles, October 19, 1870. 
Sir : In answer to vour letter of the 17th instant, I have the honor 
to inform you that a king's messenger is going from here to London by 
way of Brussels every Wednesday. Owing to the irregularity of the 
railway and postal service, there is now and then a delay of one, perhaps 
two days. 

The messenger has to start by 10 o'clock a. m., and will be duly in- 
structed to deliver your letter-bags to Mr. Stevens. 

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, 

V. BISMARCK. 
His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

« Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary 

of the United States of America^ Paris. 



No. 96. 

Count Bismarck to Mr. Washburne. 
[Translation.] 

Versailles, October 19, 1870. 
Sir : 1 have received two letters from Mr. Jules Favre and Mr. Foelk- 
ersam, the Russian consul-general, respectively, copies of which I beg 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 85 

to iiielose, concerning the withdrawal of certain persons, not French, 
from Paris. We have intimated to Mr. Jules Favre that the military 
authorities have consented to tlie request expressed therein, under the 
condition, however, that the identity and nationality of those persons 
ought to be verified and attested in a list compiled by you. I very 
much regret that, in addition to so much trouble, I should be obliged to 
draw still more upou your kindness. Kecent experiences, and a decision 
adopted in consequence by the military authorities, make it necessary 
that all persons leaving Paris for the purpose of passing through our 
lines should be earnestly warned that they are not allowed to carry any 
parcels, letters, or communications whatsoever, besides those to be deliv- 
ered to our outposts, and that any contravention in this respect will 
unfailingly bring down upou them the full vigor of martial law. I beg 
you will be good enough to state on the foot of the list or lists that the 
persons named therein have been warned accordingly. The departure 
should be taken by the Porte de Creteil. 

I avail myself of this opportunity to renew the assurances of the high- 
est consideration with which I have the honor to be your obedient serv- 
ant, 

V. BISMARCK. 

His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary 

of the United iStates, Paris. 



No. 97. 

Mr. Washburne to Count Bismarck. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, October 21, 1870. 

Sir : When it became inevitable that Paris was to be invested I used 
every exertion in my power to send out from the city all the subjects of 
the North German Confederation then here, against whom the order of 
expulsion had been directed. 

jL>eplorable as their condition then was, I knew that it must become 
infinitely worse after the siege should commence. It is not to be won- 
dered at that, in so large a German population as there was in Paris at 
the breaking out of the war, quite a number were still found in the city 
when communication was finally cut ofi". 

Some were too old and some were too sick to leave ; some were chil- 
dren without protectors, but the greater number were female domestics, 
many of whom had been persuaded to remain with their emi)loyers 
under pledges of protection. As the siege progressed, however, these 
poor people, either abandoned by their employers or denounced to the 
authorities, were turned into the street, only to be arrested and cast 
into prison. 

On making a personal visit to the prison of St. Lazare, a few days 
since, I found no less than seventy-four persons of this class, subjects 
of the different German powei s at war with France. I lost no time in 
arrangingfor their release and I now have them all comfortably cared for 
and upon reasonable terms ; I have some twenty others (mostly females) 
whom I am providing for, making about one hundred in all. The French 
Government has promised me that they shall have full protection. 



ob FEANCO-GEEMAN WAE. 

From the fund so generously placed at my disposal by your govern- 
ment, I think I have sufficient means in my hands to properly and com- 
fortably care for all the Germans now in JParis ; if not, I can make ad- 
vances should it be desired. In using this fund in this way, I am sure 
that I correctly interpret the humane and generous sentiments of the 
royal government toward its unfortunate subjects now in this city, whose 
sufferings and distress I have been compelled to witness since the com- 
mencement of the war and by which I have been so deeply touched. 
With, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 
His Excellency Count de Bismarck, &c., &c., &c. 



No. 98. 

Mr. Wasliburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 307.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, October 24, 1870. (Received November 15.) 

Sir : The minister of the United States of Colombia, Mr. Caicedo, 
before leaving Paris, with all the personnel of his legation, requested 
me to take under my protection the few Colombians who might remain 
in Paris. I promised to do so very cheerfully, glad of the opportunity 
to render a service to a sister American republic ; but as there are very 
few Colombians in Paris, and their interests are not large, I have not 
thought it worth while to trouble the French Government with a request 
for its assent. My protection will be simply " officious." 

The charge d'affaires of Portugal, the Vicomte de Lancastre, who pro- 
poses to leave Paris to-morrow, has also asked me to extend our pro- 
tection to his fellow-subjects remaining in Paris. I have consented to 
do so; but as this is a matter of more importance, in view of the num- 
ber ot persons and the importance of the interests at stake, I have 
asked the consent ot the government of the national defense. This has 
been promptly accorded. The request of the Vicomte de Lancastre was 
made by direction of his government. 



I have, &c,, 



E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 99. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 308.J Legation of The United States, 

Paris, October 24, 1870. (Received November 15.) 

Sir : Referring to my dispatch of the 18th instant, and numbered 305, 
I have the honor to state that I have this day received from the Govern- 
ment of the National Defense the permission for my countrymen to leave 
Paris. They are to leave, therefore, on Thursday morning next, by the 
way of Cr^teil. 

It had been twice decided that at this state of the siege no foreigner 
would be permitted to leave Paris, but after having several interviews 
on the subject with General Trochu and Mr. Jules Favre, they finally 
agreed to change their determination, and let all of our Americans go 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 87 

who wanted to leave. I tliink this decision is mainly due to a friendly 
fueling- toward our government. From the beginning, Mr. Jules Favre 
evinced ever}' desire to gratify my wishes in this regard. The granting 
of the permission for the Americans to leave involved a like permission 
for the subjects of other neutral powers ; and as the Prussian authorities 
require that I shall give a pass to every person who desires to traverse 
their military lines, I am likely to have a good deal of work on hand for 
the next two days. I have had prepared a special passport for this pur- 
pose, a copy of which I have the honor to inclose herewith. 

J have, &c., E. B. WASHBCTRXE. 



[Inclosure.— Translation.] 

Legation of the United States op America in France. 

The bearer, , a citizen of the United States, having expressed to nie a 

desire to leave Paris and to pass the military liues of the powers at war with Frauce, 

I herebj'^ request the military authorities aforenamed to allow to pass 

their lines freely with carriage, baggage, «feo. , and to give aid and protection in 

case of need. 

In testimony whereof we, E. B. Washburne, envoy extraordinary and minister pleni- 
r -, potentiaryof the United States in France, have hereunto affixed our sigua- 
^ ' ■-' ture and the seal of this legation, this day of ,1870. 

departure through the creteil gate. 

The undersigned, whose name is in the passport on the opposite page, admits that he 
been notified by the aforesaid Minister of the United States that he can be the 



bearer of no newspaper, letter, or j)ackage, except personal baggage, under penalty of 
military law. 
Paris, the October, 1870. 



No. 100. 
Count Bismarck to Mr. Washburne. 

Versailles, October 29, 1870. 

Sir: According to trustworthy information, Dr. Fontaine, a Prus- 
sian subject, ancl well-known historian, while traveling for literary pur- 
poses in French districts occupied by the German forces, has been 
arrested and carried to Besanyon, wliere his life appears to be in danger. 

There is nothing to justify such a proceeding against an inoffensive 
scholar. I therefore beg you will be good enough to demand formally 
his release from the provisional government and to state explicitly that, 
in case of refusal, a certain number of persons of analogous condition 
of life will be arrested in different towns of France and sent to Germany 
to undergo there the same treatment, whatever it may be, that is re- 
served for Dr. Fontaine in France. 

I remain, &c., iScc, V. BISMARCK. 



No. 101. 

Count Bismarck to Mr. Washburne. 
[Translation.] 

Versailles, October 29, 1870. (Received November 1.) 
Sir : The King's ambassador at London informs me that Mr. Motlej" 
has expressed the desire to have Mrs. George Buckham, of New York, 



OO FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

leave Paris. Her husband is now at London. I hasten to inform you 
of this, and add that there will be no opposition to the departure of 
this lady, if she presents herself furnished with a passport signed by 
you and establishing her identity. 

The minister of Persia at London having asked for young Farouk Khan 
a pupil at the Bange Institution, 94 rue de Bac, authorization to leave 
Paris, this permission has been also granted, and he may cross our lines 
with a passport establishing his identity, if you will have the kindness 
to so inform him. 

Please accept the repeated assurance of my high consi*^eration. 

V. BISMARCK. 

His Excellency Mr. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of America^ Paris. 



No. 102. 

Mr, Washburne to Count Bismarck. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, October 31, 1870. 
Sir : 1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your several 
favors of the 29th instant, and beg to sa.\ that due attention has been 
given to the same. In relation to the one touching Dr. Fontaine, I have 
to state, however, that I have not yet been able to see Mr. Jules Favre, 
as he has been all day absent from the foreign oflBce. I shall take occa- 
sion to see him as soon as possible, and shall take pleasure in comply- 
ing with your request. 

I have, «&c., E. B. WASHBUENE. 

His Excellency Count de Bismarck, 

(fee, (fee, (fee. 



No. 103. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 310.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, October 31, 1870. (Received November 25, 1870.) 
Sir: Under the permission obtained from both belligerents, forty- 
eight of our countrymen left Paris on Thursday last. I have the honor 
to send you herewith the report on the subject made to me by Mr. 
Ward, temporarily employed at this legation. Many persons who had 
professed to be very anxious to get awaj declined to leave when the 
opportunity presented itself. There are some others who now want to 
depart, but it is very doubtful if I can now get permission of the French 
authorities for them to leave. They had insisted that the whole num- 
ber of those who intended to leave should go out at the same time on 
Thursday last. The English and the Swiss received yesterday from 
Count de Bismarck their permission to pass the Prussian lines, but the 
French authorities now hesitate to fix the day on which they may leave. 
The Russians went out on the same day as the Americans. I believe 
there is yet some trouble about the Austrians going out. I am very 
glad that I have so many of our countrymen safely away. 

I have, &c., E. B. WASHBURNE. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. S9 

[Inclosure.] 

Mr. Ward to Mr. Washhurne. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, October 27, 1870. 

According to yonr inBtructions, aud having previonely obtained from the governor 
of Paris, General Trochn, t le necessary pass for ihe list of Americans drawn up at this 
legation, I proceeded on horseback, as per appointment, at 6 a. ra., with two staff officers, 
trnmpeter, and flag of truce, to the gate of Chareuton, where the convoy was to meet. 
Having formed tbe line, we passed out of the city under military escort, and proceeded 
to the village of Crdteil, on the post-road to Bale, just beyond which was the Prussian 
outpost. Before reaching the village, however, an examination of your passes was 
made. Leaving the convoy in Cr6teil, the staff officers, flag of truce, trumpeter, and 
myself rode up to within a hundred yards of the Prussian barricade outpost. After 
waiting some time, and doing considerable trumpetiug, a lieutenant and two soldiers 
appear* d bearing a white flag. We parleyed, and, on the arrival of his superior oflicer, 
ordered on the convoy. 

Examination of your passes was again made by Lieutenant Tilli6, of Seventy-fiftli 
regiment of the line, and myself; ai d German sauf-conduiis being delivered by the 
lieutenant for the occupants of each carriage, prescribing their line of march, the con- 
voy, consisting of forty-eight Americans (luen, women, and children), in nineteen car- 
riages, as ver list herewith (as also the Russian convoy of seven carriages and twenty- 
one persons, having your passes), then j)assed on through the barricade into the Prus- 
sian lines ; from whence 1 was informed they would proceed, each carriage escorted by 
a soldier, to the Prussian post beyond, at Boissy. Your son and Colonel Hoffman went 
to the outpost and returned with me to Paris, where I reported at the legation the exe- 
cution of your instructions. 

ALBERT LEE WARD. 

List of Americans ivjio left Paris on the 27th October, 1870. 

Mr, and Mrs. W. E. Cramer, Mr. G. W. Kidder, Mr. W. H. Fuller, Mr. V. Masson, Mr. H. 
Helmick, Mr.B. F.Meyer, Mr. G.N. Sanders, Mr. H. A. Stone and two coachmen ; Dr. L. S. 
Burridge, two sons, governess, and coachman ; Mr. E. Preble, Mrs. O. Closterman and 
Miss E. J. Closterman, Mr. I. C. Lynes, Mr. J. G. Peniston and Mr. J. A. Peniston, Mr. 
C. H. Welles, Mr. E. L. Leeds, Mr. G. L. Whittaker, Miss A. Whinnery and governess, 
Mr. Felix Gelin, Mr. I. F. Sterling, Mr. I. L. O'Sullivan and wife, Mr. Henry Turnbull, 
Mr. H. Palniieri, Mr. L. M. Sargent, Mr. W. H. Sizer, Mrs. Wagner and two children and 
coachman, Mr. I. A. Marsh, Mr. I. G. Bernell, wife, and four children ; Mr. A, S. South- 
worth and courier, Mr. F. Pendleton, Mr. M. Helman, wife, child, nurse, maid, and coach- 
man ; Mr, L. A. M. Rossi, Mr. W. F. Duff, Mrs. Pollock and coachman. 

Recapitulation. — 48 Americans, 6 coachmen, 2 governesses, 1 courier, 1 nurse, 19 
carriages, 1 saddle-horse. 



No. 104. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

"Eo. 312.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, October 31, 1870. (Received November 25, 1870.) 
Sir : I take the liberty of inclosing you herewith a copy of a letter 
addressed to me by Count de Bisuiarck, in relation to tbe action of the 
government of the national defense, and in regard to the situation of 
Paris. 

I have, &c., E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure.] n 

Cotint Bismarck to Mr. Washburne. 

Versailles, October 29, 1870. 

Sir : Having before them the resolution adopted by the government of national 
defense, to continue a hoi eless struggle and to defend Paris as long as provisions will 



90 FRANCO-GEEMAN WAR. 

last, tlie government of His Majesty have felt obliged to give their attention to the 
consequences which the carrying out of that resolution will entail upon tbe inhabit- 
ants of Paris, consisting, as they do, for a great part of foreigners. By a memoir com- 
municated to foreign cabinets some weeks s'nce, we have declined any responsibility 
for the sufferings to which the residents will find themselves exposed when the re- 
sources are exhausted, and when, owing to the waste laid all around Paris by order of 
the French Government at an extent of three or four days' marching, it will be impos- 
sible to provide the survivors with food or to transport them beyond the zone of de- 
struction. 

While sending you a translation of the said memoir, I take the liberty of earnestly 
calling your attention to the considerations detailed therein and bearing directly upon 
the interests of those American residents who, either by their cjndition of life or for 
want of means, have been obliged to remain at Paris. 

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, your obedient servant, 

BISMARCK. 

His Excellency Mr. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States. 



MEMOIR. 

Mr. Jules Favre and his colleagues have rejected the proposal of an armistice, the 
conditions of which would have afforded to France the starting-point for a return to 
a regular order of things. So they pronounce for the continuation of a struggle which, 
to judge by the march of events up to the present day, does not offer any prospect of 
success to the French nation. The chances of this struggle, demanding so heavy sacri- 
fices, have constantly gone from bad to worse for France. Toul and Strasburg have 
fallen, Paris is strictly invested, and the German troops are extending their incursions 
to the banks of the Loire. The considerable forces assembled before those two for- 
tresses are now disengaged awaiting further orders of the commander-in-chief The 
country will have to undergo the consequences of a war k I'ontrance resolved upon by 
the members of the French Government, at Paris. . Tne sacr fices of the nation will go 
on increasing to no purpose, and the decomposition of society will attain proportions 
more and more threatening. To counteract such a course of events, the leaders of the 
German armies are unfortunately powerless, but they carefully weigh and clearly fore- 
see what will be the effect of the resistance proclaimed by the men in power in Paris, 
and they must call beforehand general attention to one point above all, the particular 
condition of Paris. The more important fights that have taken place before this cap- 
ital till now have proved too evidently that Paris is doomad to fall after some period of 
longer or shorter duration. If that period should be prolonged to the day when capitu- 
lation will be necessitated by want of food, terrible effects will be produced. The de- 
struction of railways, bridges, and canals, absurdly executed within a certain radius 
(of about 50 English miles) around Paris, did not arrest the progress of our armies. As 
far as communications are required for us, they have been restored by us. But what 
remains unrepaired will, even after a capitulation, interrupt the traffic between the 
capital and the provinces for a long time to come. In such a predicauienc the chiefs 
of the German array would find themselves in the absolute impossibility to furnish a 
population of nearly two millions with food, be it only for twenty-four hours. The 
environs of Paris would likewise, within several days' marches, be devoid of every 
kind of resources, including means of locomotion capable of removing the Prussians 
to the provinces. The inevitable consequence would be starvation of hundreds of 
thousands. The French rulers cannot but foresee these consequences as clearly as the 
leaders of the German armies, yet they leave to the latter no alternative but to follow 
up the struggle which is offered to them. He who brings matters to extremities of 
this kind will have to bear the responsibility thereof. 



No. 105. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 313.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, 11 o'clock Monday nighty October 31, 1870. 

(Received November 25, 1870.) 
, Sir: I have waited till a very late hour before commencing my dis- 
patch, which I hope to be able to start off at a very early hour to-morrow 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 91 

morning'. The day has been one of much excitement and interest. The 
arrival of M. Thiers, the disgraceful affair of Le Bonrget, of yesterday, 
when the French permitted the Prussians to surprise them and recapture 
the town, and the terrible news of the fall of Metz, all conspired to 
create a profound excitement in Paris. It is almost impossible to get 
at the truth in regard to the state of affairs; but, as near as I can learn, 
some of the dissatisfied national guards and a crowd of the red repub- 
licans invaded the Hotel de Ville this afternoon and took the government 
of the National Defense prisoners. They then went to work and organ- 
ized what they called the "government of the commune," and fixed upon 
the candidates to be elected to-morrow by a vote of the people of Paris. 
I inclose you a card containing a list of the names of the persons to 
form this new government of the red rei)ublic. 1 w^nt to the Hotel de 
Ville at six o'clock tonight and found that it had been invaded by sol- 
diers. The magnificent hall of the municii)al council was densely 
packed with soldiers, singing, shouting, yelling, and speech-making. 
All seemed to consider that the revolution was practically accomplished, 
and that nothing was wanting but a vote of the people of Paris, to be 
taken to-morrow. I have just learned, however, that General Trochu 
and Jules Favre escaped early in the evening, and that they are now- 
organizing to put down these new revolutionists. At any rate, the gene- 
rale is everywhere beating, and gentlemen bring me the intelligence that 
the center of t3ae city is literally packed with troops, and that every- 
body is expecting/a collision to-night. My messenger is obliged to start 
so early in the morning, in order to meet the flag of truce, that 1 can 
give you no further intelligence before he leaves. I send you several 
papers, issued this evening, though dated to morrow, which you will 
find contain a good deal on this subject. 

In all this turmoil and excitement today, I have not been able to find 
out anything in regard to the result of the mission of M. Thiers. He 
left at three o'clock this afternoon to return to Versailles. 

I am as yet without any dispatch-bag since the one brought by Gen- 
eral Burnside, a month ago, and, of course, without instructions from 
you. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure.] 



Rue Coudoret 47, ) La D6peche, ^ 100 Dc^p^ches, 10 frs. 

Impie, Bachy, et cie. I N. 32. ( 50 Ddpeches, 5 frs. 

Paris, le 31 Octobre 1870, 5 beures iu soir. Le gouvernenient de la commune est 
conipos6 de MM. Dorian, Victor Hugo, F^lix Pyat, Henri Eocliefort, Schoelcher, Dcles- 
cluze, Mottu, Bouvallet, Gaupin, Martin Bernard, BlaLqui, Flourens, Louis Blauc, 
Ledru Rollin. 



No. 106. 

Count Bismarck to Mr. Washhurne. 

[Translation.] 

Versailles, November 1, 1870. (Eeceived November 8.) 
Sir: The Italian government has asked, through the medium of its 
minister at Berlin, authorization for persons of that nationality still re- 



92 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

siding at Paris to leave the city, and it Las expressed the desire that 
the Italian consul at Paris should be informed of it. 

I beg j'ou, sir, to kindly forward this communication, adding that this 
permission is only accorded by the military auhtorities to a limited number 
of persons particularly recommended, and that, in order to obtain it, it 
will be necessary to send me previously the exact list of those persons, 
who, upon their departure from the city, must be furnished with papers 
establishing their identity. 

1 have the honor to inform you, at the same time, that the authoriza- 
tion to quit Paris has been granted exceptional to the Marchioness de 
Gallifet and to Madame Manara, living at 107 Faubourg Saint flonor^. 
I beg you will kindly give them, when they present themselves to you, 
passports establishing their identity. 

I take advantage of this occasion to forward to you the dispatches 
from your government, brought from London by Colonel Forbes, and to 
beg you to transmit to their address the two dispatches herewith, from 
the governments of Sweden and Holland, to their representatives at 
Paris. 

The dispatches which you sent me yesterday, for your colleague in 
England, will be forwarded to-morrow by our courier. 

Please accept, sir, the repeated assurance of my high consideration, 

V. BISMARCK. 

His Excellency Mr. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of America at Paris. 



No. 107. 
Count Bismarck to Mr. Waslibvrne. 

Versailles, November 2, 1870. 

Sir : From different sides applications of French officers being prison- 
ers of war in Germany for exchange have reached us. We cannot accede 
to individual aemands of this kind, but there would be no objection to a 
general exchange of all persons belonging to the German armies being 
now prisoners of war in France, officers as well as petty officers, and 
rank and file, against equal numbers of military men of equal station of 
the French army, the selection to be made according to the prior date 
of their captivity, eventually, by drawing lots. I shall thank your ex- 
cellency for bringing the foregoing to the knowledge of Mr. Jules Favre. 

Accept the renewed assurances of the very high consideration with 
which 1 remain your excellency's obedient servant, 

V. BISMAECK. 

His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of America^ Paris. 



No. 108. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 314.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, November 7, 1870. (Received December 1.) 
Sir : The affair at the Hotel de Ville, of a week ago to-day, a partial 
account of which I gave you in my dispatch of that evening, No. 313, 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 93 

■was practically terminated at three o'clock on tbe next tnorninpf. The 
members of the government were guarded by military forces under the 
control of Flourens, Blanqui, Pyat, and others, the leaders of the revolu- 
tionary movement. General Trochu and Jules Ferry, not Jules Favre, 
as erroneously stated in my last dispatch, escaping early in the evening, 
took immediate measures to release their colleagues. The improvised 
revolutionary government, which held the Hotel de Ville by force dur- 
ing the atternoon and the first part of the night of Monday, the 31st 
ultimo, could hardly have been fully advised of the measures which 
were being taken to overthrow it. The members of this self-constituted 
" government of the commune" went to work giving orders in all direc- 
tions, to the end to more fully possess themselves of the government. 
One of them sent a modest order on the minister of finance to trans- 
mit him immediately fifteen million of francs. Another order was given 
to seize the prefecture of police, and many orders were given concern- 
ing military operations, the forts, the gates of the city, &g. As the 
night wore on, the revolutionary force holding the Hotel de Ville became 
less and less vigilant, and about three o'clock on Tuesday morning they 
were completely surprised and surrounded b3' an overpowering force of 
the national guard, who had quietly and silently got into the building 
by various secret ways. After a long parley, and after many threats to 
shoot on the spot some members of the government of the national 
defense, the revolutionary troops finally agreed to retire from the build- 
ing, leaving it in possession of the national guard and the members of 
the government released from their " durance vile.'' Blanqui, Flourens & 
Co. suddenly disappeared at the same moment, and, what may surprise 
you, not one single person engaged in all this business was arrested. 
This little side-show of the "government of the commune" had a pre- 
carious existence of about twelve hours, and then " vanished into thin 
air." The whole thing was at once astounding and ludicrous, and the 
papers have been filled with the incidents and history of that remarka- 
ble day, which must cut some little figure hereafter in tbe history of 
these strange times. I send you a great number of Paris journals, which 
will give you a more detailed history of the whole affair. 

By the Journal Ofificiel, which I send also, you will see what has been 
the action of the government of the National Defense since this trouble 
took place. You will pass your own judgment upon its submission of 
itself, as the Government of France, to a vote of confidence of the peo- 
ple of Paris. I think the large vote of confidence which the government 
received was the result of a desire of vast numbers of people that it 
should be so strengthened that it would be enabled to make terms for 
an armistice. The question of such an armistice has been the great 
topic of conversation for the last few days, and the sentiment in favor 
of such an armistice as it was supposed could be had was overwhelming. 
There was a general belief that there would be an armistice which would 
finally lead to a peace, and there was quite a buoyant feeling. Yester- 
day morning, however, the official journal announced, to the great sur- 
prise of the Paris public, that terms for an armistice could not be agreed 
upon. The announcement created a profound feeling of despondency, 
and everybody is inquiring, " What next ?" Mr. Jules Favre went out 
through the French military lines toward the Prussian outposts yester- 
day, and returned to Paris at noon to day. It is supposed that he has 
been engaged in a still further effort to effect the armistice. 

There has been no marked change in the situation of Paris since my 
dispatch of a week ago. Meat has become more scarce, but the supply 
of vegetables and bread is abundant. I think the city would hold out 



94 PEANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

until the 1st of January if the people could see that anything were to 
be gained by it. 

I received on Saturday evening last a package of private letters and 
some Ne\y York newspapers, with dates up to the loth ultimo. This 
package was brought from London to Versailles by Mr. Paul S. Forbes, 
and was forwarded to me from Versailles by the Prussian authorities. 
Mr. F. left London on the 28th ultimo, and Mr. Stevens writes me that 
Mr. Moran declined sending any official dispatches by him. I am at a 
lor3S to divine the reason. I am, therefore, still without anything from 
your department since the 8th of September. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 109. 
Mr. Favre to Mr. Washburne. 

[Translation.] 

Paris, November 8, 1870. 

Sir : You have been kind enough to transmit to me a copy of a letter 
under date of 7th of this month, addressed you by Mr. Thile, from 
Berlin, in the name of the North German Confederation, to demand the 
restitution of six German merchant-vessels, captured by French vessels 
of war, contrary to the notice published in the official journal of the 
21st of July last. Mr. Thile, moreover, states that the crews of the 
vessels Alma and Courier, captured in Grecian waters and sent to Mar- 
seilles, had been put in the chain-gang and inhumanly treated for six 
weeks. In regard to the capture of the six vessels designated in the 
list annexed to the letter of Mr. Thile, I shall only call attention to the 
fact, that according to the aforesaid list, the declaration of the 21st July 
would not be applicable to these vessels. In fact the favorable exemp- 
tion announced in that notice only affected enemies' vessels whose des- 
tination was a French port, and the six vessels in question are stated in 
the Prussian list as bound for neutral ports. 

As to the prisoners, no information has reached me as to the treat- 
ment they have received in Marseilles, and I cannot well understand 
that the local authorities should have failed in the law of humanity in 
regard to them. I can state, with confidence, that from the beginning 
of the war measures were taken so that crews of captured vessels 
should be placed together in depots situated in the interior of France, 
and treated according to the general regulation for prisoners of war of 
the 6th May, 1M59, which was made known to the Berlin cabinet in the 
month of August last. 

Receive the assurances of the high consideration with which I hive 
the honor to be, sir, your very humble and obedient servant, 

JULES FAVRE. 

Mr. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States, Paris. 



No. 110. 

Mr. Washburne to Count Bismarck. 

Legation of the United State, 

Paris. November 10, 1870. 

Sir : Mr. Jules Favre has addressed me an unofficial note, stating that 
a report has reached Paris that M. de Raynal, "substitut du procu- 



FRANCO-GEKMAN WAR. 95 

renr de la republiqiie" at Yersallles, has been arrested by tbe Prussian 
authorities. As the family ot M. de Rayual feel much anxiety in regard 
to the matter, Mr. Favre has sought my good oflices for the purpose of 
obtnining some information iu regard to him, in order to relieve their 
anxiety. 
Commending the matter to your consideration, I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 
His Excellency Count de Bismarck, 

(fee, djc, &c. 



1^0. 111. 

Count Bismarcli to Mr. Waslihurne. 

[Translation.] 

Versailles, November 19, 1870. (Received November 21.) 

Sir : I had the honor to receive the letter you kindly addressed me 
November 10, to inform me that Mr. Jules Favre had expressed to you 
unofhcially the desire to obtain intelligence of the fate of Mr. de Raynal. 
According to the information which has reached me on this subject, his 
arrest was decided upon by the military authorities, because it was 
demonstrated by the papers seized at his house, and notes written by 
his hand, that he had kept up correspondence for the purpose of send- 
ing information to the enemy. He has been sent into Germany, where 
he will be tried by a council of war. 

I take advantage of this occasion to inform you that several balloons 
sent recently from Paris have fallen into our hands, and that the per- 
sons sending them up will also be tried by the laws of war. 

I beg you to kindly bring this fact to the knowledge of the French 
Government, adding that all persons who take this means of crossing 
our lines without authority, or of holding correspondence to the preju- 
dice of our troops, will expose themselves, if they fall into our power, 
to the same treatment, which is just as applicable to them, as those who 
make similar attempts by the ordinary way. 

Please accept, sir, the repeated assurance of my high consideration. 

V. BISMARCK. 

Mr. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of America at Paris. 



No. 112. 

Count Bismarcli to Mr. Waslihurne. 

Versailles, Novemher 12, 1870. 
Sir: Recent and repeated experience has shown that even resi)ectable 
persons, in spite of the warning addressed to them before leaving Paris, 
and relying upon our confidence, do not hesitate to carry letters clan- 
destinely through our lines. Nay, in several letters captured by our 
men indications are given to the correspondents to address the infor- 
mation they are desired to give iu the interest of the enemy to certain 



96 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

persons in Paris bearing a diplomatic character. In consequence the 
military authorities, as they had reserved themselves the right to do 
from day to day, have resolved upou not granting any more permissions 
to leave Paris. This decision of course does not affect individual per- 
missions already granted. The military authorities, upon my representa- 
tion, have besides consented to allow those persons to pass who, up to 
the present day, have applied either directly or by the interposition of 
their embassies. The catagories comprise — 

1. The persons belonging to the embassies of the Netherlands, Bel- 
gium, Denmark, Sweden. 

2. Certain citizens of the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Italy, enu- 
merated in the inclosed lists. A, B, O, D, together with a number of 
Englishmen indicated in a supplementary list, B. 

3. The persons belonging to other nationalities who are enumerated 
in the list F. 

The inclosed letters, addressed to the representatives of the Nether- 
lands, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden, are to in- 
form them accordingly, requesting them at the same time to tell their 
countrymen that they will be searched by our outposts, and if letters, 
parcels, or communications whatsoever should be found concealed with 
them they will be tried by court-martial. Your excellency, on deliver- 
ing passports to them, as well as to the persons included in the list F, 
will be good enough to repeat such intimation and certify that this has 
been done. 

Trusting to your benevolence, I beg you will be kind enough to have 
the persons comprised in list F informed that they will be permitted to 
pass; to forward the inclosed letter to No. 8 and 11, and to Mr. Bang6 
(Farouk Khan having already received permission to withdraw from 
Paris); lastly, to send word to Madame Ziick Rollin (No. 10) that her 
husband is waiting her arrival here. 

I need hardly add that it will be impossible for you in future to grant 
any more passports to anybody, Central and South Americans not ex- 
cepted. 

The military authorities having peremptorily refused to allow any- 
body to enter Paris, I am, to my great regret, for the moment, unable to 
give effect to the permission held out to Col. Frank Moore before the 
recent change of circumstances. I have telegraphed to that effect to 
Brussels. 

Have you got any information posterior to your letter of the 21st of 
October as to the number and condition of Germans detained in prison? 

With the present letter I forward two dispatch- bags arrived from 
London ; jour bag has been duly .sent to your agent there. 
I have, &c. 

V. BISMARCK. 

His Excellency E. B. Washburnb, 

Minister of the United States of America, Paris. 



No. 113. 

Mr. Washhiirne to Count Bismarclc. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, November 14, 1870. 
Sir : Referring again to your dispatch of the 21st instant, I regret 
to learn that persons bearing my certificate have violated the confidence 



FKANCO-GERMAN WAR. 97 

reposed iu tbeiii, and have been carrying letters tlirongli your military 
lilies. I took not only tlie i)recaution you suggested of advising the 
bearers of the certilicate what was required of them, but 1 exacted that 
each person should sign a parol, the form of which I think I sent you. 
I sincerely trust it will not be found that any of my own countrymen 
are in tlie category to wliich you refer, but if they are, let the full judg- 
ment of military law fall upon thetn. Your letter was received at so 
late an hour to-day that I cannot give you the further information you 
desire in regard to the Germans in prison in Paris. I think, however, 
I have got them all out. Numbers are now coming every day to my 
legation seeking pecuniary aid, and who have been reduced to the great- 
est misery. A benevolent clergyman brouglit me to-day a list of thirty- 
seven of these people, utterly without the means of supporting them- 
selves. Were it not for the means your government has so generously 
placed at my disposal, their suffering would be incredible. 
I have, &c. 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 
His Excellency Count de Bismarck, 

(fee, (&G., &G. 



No. 114. 

Count Bismarck to Mr. Washburne. 

[Translation. ] 

Versailles, November 19, 1870. (Received November 21.) 
Sir: I hasten to inform you, in answer to the letter which you did 
me the honor to address me on the 14th November, asking authorization 
to give passports to twenty-four of your countrymen who bad already 
applied to you, that tbe military authorities have consented to it, ex- 
ceptionally in consideration of this circumstance, and that orders have 
been given that these persons may cross our lines on the Creteil route 
if they present themselves furnished with passports delivered by you. 
I have the honor to transmit herewith a bag of dispatches which has 
arrived from London to your address. 

Please accept, sir, the assurance of my high consideration. 

V. BISMAECK. 
Mr. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of America at Paris. 



No. 115. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 321.] LEaATION OF THE UNITED STATES, 

Paris, JSFovember 18, 1870. (Received December 12.) 

Sir : 1 was in hopes before this time to have- made to you a full and 

complete report of my action as connected with the protection of the 

subjects of the North German Confederation, Saxony, Hesse Grand 

Ducal, and Saxe-Coburg Gotha, iu France, with which I had been 

S. Ex. 24 7 



98 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

charged, during the existing war between those powers and France. 
But as my duties still continue, I cannot now make a final report, which 
would have to embrace my account with the Prussian Government. 

In the account for the contingent expenses of this legation, for the 
quarter ending on the 30th of September last, I have not included any 
of the items of expenditure pertaining to that business, for the reason 
that such expenses run into the present quarter, and that it would be 
better to have them all put into one account. I hope at the end of the 
present quarter to be able to include everything. I will state, however, 
for your general information, that such expenses so far scarcely reach a 
thousand dollars. These expenses, already paid and to be paid, inde- 
pendent of certain amounts to which 1 will hereafter allude, will not 
reach more than fifteen hundred dollars. All the items will be given in 
detail, and I hope the amount will not be regarded as extravagant when 
the extent of the service is considered. 1 was glad to know that the 
Department coincided with Mr. Bancroft and myself in the opinion that 
all these expenses should be paid by the United States. It would cer- 
tainly have been unworthy of a great government like ours to permit 
itself to be paid for hospitalities extended to the subjects of other na- 
tions tor whom our protection had been sought. 

When, in accordance with your directions, in July last, I took upon 
myself the protection of the German subjects in France, I had but a 
faint idea of what the undertaking was going to involve, for I had 
hardly supposed it possible that I would be charged with the care and 
with the superintendence of the departure of more than thirty thousand 
people expelled from their homes upon so short a notice. From the 
time of the breaking out of the war, and as soon as it became known 
that the Germans had been placed under my protection, you can well 
imagine, considering so large a population, what would take place in 
that exciting period. The legation began to be crowded from day to 
day by persons desiring protection, advice, information, and assistance. 
Many were thrown into prison, charged with being "Prussian spies," 
many were under arrest as dangerous persons, and the lives and prop- 
erty of others were threatened in their neighborhood. My good ofiices 
were sought for and cheerfully rendered in all such cases, and I beiieve 
I never failed in accomplishing all I undertook in such emergenc es. 
The first extraordinary order of the French Government, prohibiting all 
such Germans from leaving France who might by possibility owe mili- 
tary service, and about which I had so long a correspondence with the 
Duke de Grammont, created great alarm among a large number of 
them, who were extremly anxious to get away. The practical operation 
of that order prevented any German from leaving French territory 
without special authority to that end first had and obtained from the 
minister of the interior, and all applications for such authority had to 
be made through me ; and after all this was changed, and the expulsion 
of the Germans decreed, it was required that I should vise the pass- 
ports, or give a laissez-passer to every German leaving France. 

I have spoken of thirty thousand as the number of Germans placed 
under my protection, and who were expelled from France. I make this 
estimate from the number of visas and passports which I gave out, and 
that number, as recorded in the legation, amounts to eight thousand 
nine hundred. In the rush and hurry of business there was no record 
made in many cases, and it is entirely safe to say that the whole num- 
ber of visas and passports going through the legation amounted to not 
less than nine thousand ; the larger number of these passports included 
the husband, wife, and children. It is a moderate estimate to say that 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 99 

there was an average of three and one-third persons to each passport. 
That wonhl make the thirty thousand souls. 

We issued our own cards, which, by an arrangement with the railroad 
company, entitled the holder to a railroad ticket from Paris, through 
Belgium, to the German frontier, for nine thousand three hundred and 
thirty-two persons, and gave pecuniary assistance to a smaller number. 
This involved an examination of each person as to his or her want of 
the necessary means to get out of the country, for our instructions were 
not to make advances to people who had the means to pay their own 
expenses. It also involved the necessity of sending two or three per- 
sons from the legation to the railroad dei)ot every night, in order to see 
that the holders of the cards received their railroad tickets and were 
properly sent off. 

It was about the middle of August when the expulsion of the Ger- 
mans from Paris began to be enforced and when I received the credit 
of fifty thousand thalers from the Prussian Government to assist them. 
From that time to the middle of September, when the Northern Rail- 
road was cut, we were literally overwhelmed with these poor people, 
seeking the visas of their passports and the means of getting away. 
For days, and I may even say for weeks, the street was completely 
blocked up by them awaiting their turns to be attended to. On one day 
more than five hundred had gathered in front of the legation before seven 
o'clock in the morning; and in some days there were not less than from 
twenty-five hundred to three thousand persons in waiting. It took a 
police force of six men to keep the crowd back and keep the door open, 
so that the people could enter in their turn. With such an amount of 
work so suddenly thrown upon the legation, I found it almost impossi- 
ble to get the necessary help to assist me, though authorized by the 
Department to employ the requisite force. I was fortunate in being able 
to procure the services of the secretaries of the Saxon and Darmstadt 
legations, and of the clerk of the Pruesiau consul-general in Paris, all 
of whom proved invaluable, from their knowledge of both the French 
and German languages. I had also the benefit of the services rendered 
voluntarily by your son, by Mr. Eustis, and by several other friends. 
Some days there were no less than eleven persons engaged at the lega- 
tion, but with all the force we had it was impossible to keep up with the 
demands upon us. 

And in further connection with this matter, I now beg leave to make 
a suggestion. I have stated what will be the probable amount of the 
expense actually paid out and to be paid out of the contingent fund. 
In my judgment that amount should be added to. The extra duties 
which have been devolved upon the two secretaries and the messenger 
of the legation have been arduous and responsible, and certainly such as 
had never been contemplated. Their duties have been discharged with 
a zeal and fidelity worthy of all praise. I think, therefore, in justice, that 
they are entitled to some extra compensation, and I hope it may be 
granted to them. I say this the more readily as I disclaim anything of 
the kind for myself. My salary is ample, and I would wish no extra 
compensation on any pretext whatever. Not so with the persons to 
whom I refer, for their salaries are low. When the extra and excep- 
tional services they have rendered and the vastly increased prices of 
living consequent upon the siege are considered, I do not think a claim 
for extra compensation on their behalf can be considered as unreason- 
able. I shall hope, therefore, that Congress will consent that you shall 
allow Wickham Hoffman, the first secretary of legation, $600 ; Frank 
Moore, the second secretary of legation, $500 ; Antoine Schmidt, the 



100 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

messenger of the legation, $300; and Antoine Roger, the concierge 
(who had to guard the door fourteen hours a day for two months), $100. 
These amounts, added to the expenses already incurred and to be in- 
curred in this behalf, will not reach more than $3,000, which is not half 
the amount I have taken for passports since the war broke out, and 
which the state of war obliged our countrymen to have. 

I will add a few observations in regard to the present condition of 
the Germans in Paris at the present time who are under my protection. 
Considering the large German population here prior to the breaking out 
of the war, it is not a matter of wonder that a good many were found 
here when all communication was finally cut off. When it became evi- 
dent that the city was to be besieged, I redoubled my exertions to get 
these unfortunate people away. Deprived of all work, their little re- 
sourcesexhausted, the intense hostility of the French people toward them, 
bad as their condition was, it was to become infinitely worse in case of 
a siege. Many Mere in prison for vagabondage, and many were detained 
charged with being spies, dangerous persons, «&c. Upon my applica- 
tion to Mr. Gambetta, he concerted with the Count de Keratry, the pre- 
fect of police, for their discharge en masse, and for sending them, at the 
expense of the French Government, to the Belgian frontier. But quite 
a number yet remained. Many were too old and infirm to leave. Some 
were sick, some were children left behind who had been put out to 
service ; but perhaps the larger number were female domestics, most of 
whom had been persuaded by their employers to remain, under pledges 
of protection. But as the siege progressed and the price of living aug- 
mented, many of these persons, discharged by their employers or de- 
nounced to the authorities, were turned into the street, only to be 
arrested and imprisoned. In one of the prisons, which I visited some 
three or four weeks since, I found seventy-four persons of this class. I 
arranged for the release of most of them, and have had them comfort- 
ably cared for, and with the i)romi^e of the French authorities that they 
shall be protected. There are others yet in prison, and I hope soon to 
complete an arrangement for the release of all who do not stand charged 
with some criminal offense. Not a day passes now that there is not 
some new application for assistance. I have now one hundred and fifty 
that I am providing for. From the Prussian fund still remaining in my 
hands, 1 think I have sufficient to take care of them till the end of the 

siege. 

In conclusion, I beg to say that the duties imposed upon me m virtue 
of the functions with which I have been charged in this regard have 
been laborious, responsible, and delicate, and it is perhaps too much to 
expect that I have discharged them in a manner entirely satisfactory to 
both the belligerent powers and to my own government. My position 
has sometimes been very embarrassing. None of the writers on public 
law, so far as 1 have been able to find, have laid down any rule to be 
observed, or refer in any manner as to what is proper to be done by the 
representative of a neutral power charged with the protection of the 
subjects of one belligerent power remaining in the country of the enemy 
during a state of war. I have had, therefore, to grope somewhat in the 
dark and do the best I could. I have not shrunk from any duty or any 
labor. During two mouths I was occupied every day from twelve to 
eighteen hours. When the pressure for the departure of the Germans 
was the greatest, I went myself to the railroad depot at night, after 
working all day at my legation, and remained till midnight to superin- 
tend their departure and to seek out and provide for cases of extreme 
destitution that had not been made known. You will permit me to say 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 101 

that whatever services I have been able to render have been rendered 
most willingly and most cheerfully, for, Avith the means so generously 
lilaced at my disposal by the Prussian Government, I have had the satis- 
faction of relieving a vast amount of suffering and misery. It is pleas- 
ant to know that no complaint of any German has ever reached tbis 
legation of a failure on my part to do everything that could properly be 
done by me in respect of protection, advice, or assistance. On the other 
hand, all classes have signified to me their thankfulness and gratitude 
for what 1 have been able to do for them. 

I will only add further, in closing this dispatch, that during the period 
about which I have been writing the business iDroperly belonging to our 
legation was increased to an extent never before known, and I have 
endeavored faithfully and satisfactorily to discharge all the duties I 
owed to my government, and to our countrymen abroad who have in 
any manner sought my good offices, protection, or advice. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUKNE. 



No. 116. 

Count Bismarck to Mr. Washhurne. 

[Translation.] 

Versailles, November 19, 1870. (Keceived November 21.) 

Sir : You kindly informed me by your letters of the 12th and 14th 
November that several Italian, Spanish, and Koumanian subjects, of 
whom a list was annexed, desired to obtain permission to leave Paris. 

Eeferring to my letter of the 12th November, I beg you to inform 
those persons through the medium of their representatives at Paris, 
that the military authorities no longer give permission to any one to 
cross our lines, and that it is impossible for me at this time to obtain 
an exception in their favor. 

I will be much obliged to you if you will send a similar communica- 
tion to the proprietor of the Splendide Hotel, Place de I'Opera, who has 
addressed to me the same request. 

Please accept, sir, the assurance of my high consideration. 

V. BISMAECK. 

Mr. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of America at Paris. 



No. 117. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 323.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, November 21, 1870. (Received December 12.) 
Sir: The official dispatches from you, which came in the bag that 
arrived this morning, are acknowledged in another communication. By 
the bag that will leave tomorrow morning I cannot send you anything 
of much interest pertaining to military or political events. In fact, there 
have been no military movements for several weeks, and since the mis - 



102 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

erable affair at the Hotel de Yille of the 31st ultimo, nothing of par- 
ticular interest has taken place in the city. Everything is quiet even 
to dullness. The reported advantage gained by the French at Orleans 
has done much to encourage the Parisians, and there is a disposition 
now manifested to hold out to the last. Yet, should there be news of 
disaster, all may change, and the siege may be raised before this reaches 
you. We remain in ignorance for a long time as to what is going on in 
the outside world. I^o newspapers get into Paris except those that 
come to this legation. Our last London dates are of the 10th instant. 
The latest New York papers are of the 29th ultimo. 

The people are suffering their privations with a good deal of fortitude. 
If they could be made to believe that France could be saved they would 
suffer to the last extremity. As it is, I can see no prospect of the siege 
being raised in any way. I shall not be as much surprised in seeing 
the city now hold out till January as I have been already in seeing it 
hold out so long as it has. There has been no real pinch up to within a 
short time, but now things are getting to be a little hard. Fresh meat, 
including horse and mule, is very nearly exhausted. Poultry, butter, 
cheese, &c., are about out of the question. A turkey sells for sixteen 
dollars, a chicken for five dollars. Butter sells for four dollars a pound. 
There is yet quite a quantity of vegetables, but at high prices. The 
jirice of bread is fixed by law, and it has not raised much. Wine is 
abundant and cheap. The time is not far distant when the great mass 
of the people of Paris must live on bread and wine almost entirely. 

No members of the diplomatic corps have left for several weeks, and 
I believe that those who are now here propose to remain to the end. 
No foreigners at all are now leaving Paris. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



No. 118. 

Mr. WasJiburne to Count BismarcJc. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, November 21, 1870. 
Sir : I had the honor to write you a week ago that I thought I had 
nearly all the Germans out of prison. That statement would have been 
very nearly true two weeks ago. 

But after I received your letter of the 12th instant, I caused a further 
inquiry to be made, and I now find that there have been about a hun- 
dred Germans arrested and put into prison within the last two weeks. 
Though I have been diligently at work for a week, I have only got the 
list at noon to-day, and have not been able to look it over. I shall 
to-morrow cause an examination to be made, and shall take such steps 
in regard to the parties imprisoned as may seem to be proper. The list 
I inclose herewith will show to you the number of Germans lam taking 
care of. The funds I have on haiid I believe are ample to meet all the 
expenditures I shall be called upon to make. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 
His Excellency Count de Bismarck:, 

&C., (&C., &c. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 10.'^ 

No. 119. 

Mr. Favre to Mr, Washhurne. 

Paris, November 28, 1870. 
Sir: The minister of war has sent me, and I have tlie honor to trans- 
mit to you, a list of the German prisoners of war held in Paris up to the 
2J:th of tlie present month. I shall be very much obliged if you will 
transmit this document to the Prussian Government, and also repeat 
the request formerly made by the intermediary of Lord Loftus for a list 
of the French prisoners of war in Germany. 

You will also find herewith a sealed package containing certain articles 
and papers which belonged to Mr. Jacholing, Gustave Librecht, chas- 
seur of the second company of the eleventh battalion, killed at the 
advance post before Viucennes. I shall be thaukful if you can take 
measures to send this package to the family of the deceased, who was 
born the 1st March, 1849, at Bonney (government of Magdebourg). 
Eeceive, &c., 

JULES FAVKE. 
Mr. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States, at Paris. 



No. 120. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 325.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, December 3, 1870. (Received December 30.) 

Sir: I have received both from Mr. Motley and Mr. Bancroft a copy 
of your telegraphic dispatch of the 15th ultimo, in which you state that 
the President instructs you to say that whenever General Read and 
myself, or either of us, desire to leave Paris, we are at liberty to do so, 
going to " Tours and communicating with the proper officials there." 
I have communicated the message to General Eead, and we are both 
very grateful to the President aud yourself for your kindness in this 
regard. 

The dispatch leaves it discretionary with me to remain in Paris, or 
go out and repair to Tours. It is, therefore, for me to determine what, 
in my judgment, the interests of my government requires, and what 
my duty is in the premises. If I were shut off from all communication 
with you it might be important that I should leave here in order to hold 
intercourse with you. Such is not, however, the case at present, for I 
am now enabled to send dispatches to you and receive them from you 
once each week, which is as much as I would be likely to do were I at 
Tours. That being the case, the question for me to decide is, where 
can I be of the most service, in Paris or in Tours ? I have no doubt 
on that subject, aud great as my desire is to get out of this besieged 
city and to join my family, from whom I have been so long separated, I 
consider it my duty to remain here, at least for the present. Paris is the 
seat of government of the country to which I am accredited, and is the 
seat of the present provisional government of the national defense, which 
has been duly recognized by the United States. And here is also the 
minister of foreign affairs, with whom I have to be more or less in com- 



104 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR 

munication. There are yet remaining in Paris some one hundred and 
fifty Americans, many of whom have been unable, for various reasons, 
to get away, and some of whom have remained here because I have 
remained. 

The French Government having heretofore given them every oppor- 
tunity for leaving, which they did not take advantage of, now declines, 
for military reasons, to permit the people of any nationality to leave 
Paris. Therefore, my countrymen now here all look to me for a certain 
l)rotection, and they would much regret to see me go away, leaving them 
behind. There is also a large amount of American property in Paris 
under my protection, and circumstances may arise when it might become 
important for me to be here. 

Independently of what belongs to our own legation, I am more or less 
occupied every day with the affairs of the North German Confederation. 
1 am now furnishing three hundred and forty-one poor Germans pecuni- 
ary assistance, and the number is increasing every day. It is impossi- 
ble for the messenger of the legation to attend to them all, and I have 
had to employ a man specially for that purpose. 

Under all the circumstances, therefore, I think my determination to 
remain at my post will meet with the approval of the President and 
yourself. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 121. 

Mr. Wasliburne to Mr. Fish. ' 

No. 327.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, December 3, 1870. (Received December 30.) 
Sir : I have the honor to inclose you herewith a copy of a letter ad- 
dressed by me to Mr. Jules Favre, on the subject of a tax w^ ich the 
city authorities have sought to impose upon the apartments of such 
persons as had left Paris for any other cause except that of the public 
service. Mr. Favre concurs with me in the opinion that the tax cannot 
be properly levied on the apartments of foreigners, and that the muni- 
cipal authorities will not attempt to enforce it as against our country- 
men. If they do he promises to bring the matter before the government. 
I have, «&c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure.] 

Mr. Washlurne to Mr. Favre. 

Legation des ]5tats-Unis, 

Paris, November 23, 1870. 
Sir: Your excellency is aware that before the breaking out of the war a large num- 
ber of my countrymen were living in Paris and occupying apartments. But when 
the government issued a notice, through the official journal, " that the interest of the 
defense demands that those persons not able to oppose the enemy should leave Paris," 
the greater portion of them obeyed the request. On the 7th of September last, a 
decree was issued putting a graduated tax (according to the rent paid) on all apart- 
ments of people who had left Paris for any other cause except that of the "public 
service." This decree attracted my attention at the time it was issued, but I supposed 
it could only refer to French citizens who owed an obligation to the French Govern- 
ment, and whose duty it was to remain in Paris, and not to citizens of the United 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 105 

States, who, as citizens of a friendly and neutral power, could not bo called upon to 
*' oppose the enemy." 

I am surprised to learn, however, that the municipal administration of the city has 
construed the decree of the 7th of September as applying to all foreigners in Paris who 
had gone out of the city, leaving their apartments vacant, instead of confining it to 
those persons whose nationalitj^ imposed upon them the duty of remaining in the 
capital. The most cursory examination of the question by your excellency will show 
to you the hardship and inconsistency of this view of the city authorities. _ My coun- 
trymen, who could not be called upon " to make face to the enemy," were invited by 
the government to leave Paris. They accordingly departed and left their apartments 
vacant, but charging me with the general protection thereof. If they had remained here 
as "boiiches inutilcs" and occupied their apartments, in opposition to the expressed 
wish of the government, no assessment would have been levied iipon them ; but as 
they left in obedience to the invitation of the government, it is now sought to impose 
on them a penalty. 

Under the circumstances, therefore, I think your excellency will agree with me 
that the enforcement of such a penalty would be in contravention of those principles 
of natural justice which lie at the foundation of all good governments. 

I take this occasion to assure your excellency of the high consideration with which 
I have the honor to be 

Your excellency's obedient servant, 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 122. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 328.J Legation of the United States, 

Paris, December 5, 1870. (Received December 30.) 

Sir : For military reasons the authorities were obliged to decline 
giving me a ^^parlemcntaire^^ for last Tuesday morning, the 29th ultimo, 
to take my dispatches to the Prussian outposts. I now hope to have 
one for to-morrow morning; and if so, my dispatches will only be one 
week behind. I received a bag from London last Tuesday atternoon, 
with London papers up to the 18th, and New York papers up to the 3d 
ultimo. I was disappointed, however, in getting nothing whatever 
from the department. 

Military operations around the walls of Paris began in earnest on 
Tuesday, the 29th ultimo. There was-heavy fighting on W jdnesday, 
the 30th ultimo, and on Friday, the 2d of December. Though I could 
hear these battles raging distinctly from the windows of the legation, I 
am unable to give you any particular information in regard to them. 
Asa movement to break through the Prussian lines, it was a failure ; 
as a fight, the French claim an advantage. As the newspapers are for- 
bidden to say anything, and as the official journal does only vouchsafe 
to us a few solemn official lines, we are utterly in the dark as to the real 
results of the fighting which actually took place. No statement has 
yet appeared of the losses of the French in killed, wounded, prisoners, 
missing, &c. I do not know that I can do anything more, or anything 
better, than to send you all that has appeared in the official journal in 
regard to military matters during the last week. The results of the 
battles, such as they are, and the news received from the provinces 
during the last week, have done much to inspirit the people of Paris. 
The morale of both people and soldiers has greatly improved. I do not 
think the prospects for a successful sortie are very good, and unless it is 
understood that the armies which are supposed to exist in the provinces 
have been substantially annihilated, the siege may yet last for a long 
time. At present the authority of the government is supreme, and all 
Paris is confronting its sufferings with fortitude and courage. But no 



106 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

one can tell how soon this may all change. The weather is now exces- 
sively cO'd for the season, and the privations of the people are very 
great. 

Another sortie is talked of very soon, and if it takes place as is ex- 
pected, you will hear of it long before this dispatch will reach you. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



No. 123. 

Mr. Waslibnrne to Count Bismarck. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, December 5, 1870. 

Sir : I have the honor to inclose you herewith a list of the names of 
all the persons belonging to the nationalities at present at war with 
France, and who are now imprisoned in Paris. They are not charged 
with any crime, but have been arrested for being found here after they 
had been ordered to leave, and for being without any means of existence. 

Their situation is miserable enough, but they are treated, perhaps, as 
well as could be expected, when you take into consideration the exist- 
ing state of things in Paris. If they were released they would have to 
be subsisted by this legation, and then they would have to be exposed 
to the hostility of the people of the city. I await instructions in this 
regard. The number of poor Germans applying for pecuniary assist- 
ance at my legation is increasing every day. It has now reached two 
hundred and thirteen families, and, including children, there are four 
hundred and ninety-six souls. 

I now have to employ a man specially to look after them. A great 
number of these people, reluctant to leave their homes and not suppos- 
ing that hostilities could last long, determined to remain in Paris, keep- 
ing themselves mostly out of sight. They have now, however, exhausted 
all their means and eaten their last morsel. As a last resource they 
came to me to relieve their absolute necessities. Without the assist- 
ance I render them, through the generosity of your government, they 
would inevitably starve. I have as yet' ample means in my hands for 
the present emergencies, but I do not know how many more will apply 
to me, and how long I shall have to support them. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 

His Excellency Count de Bismarck, &c., &c., &c. 



No. 124. 

Mf' Favre to Mr. Washhurtie. 

Paris, December 10, 1870. 
Sir : You were kind enough to communicate to me on the 8th of last 
month the copy of a letter from the Count de Bismarck, offering a gen- 
eral exchange of all the persons belonging to tbe Grerman armies who 
are at present prisoners in France, against a like number of French 
soldiers of equal rank. Following the mode proposed, the exchange 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 107 

slionUl be efiFected by coramenciii^, as nearly as possible, witb tliose wbo 
Lave been lon<;est in captivity, and deciding by lot when the circum- 
stances Avill not admit of applying this rule. 

I have advised with my colleagues, the ministers of war and of 
marine, and I hasten to inform you that we accept the proposition of 
the confederation. It will be understood that the sailors taken in the 
commercial vessels captured by our naval forces will participate in the 
proposed exchange, the captains being treated upon the same footing 
as lieutenants and sublieutenants. 

I am not able to give the total number of prisoners of the different 
categories actually in our power. It would be necessary to advise with 
the delegation of the government sitting at Tours in regard to this, 
and, in all probability, Mr. de Bismarck would not refuse to facilitate 
the communication necessary to arrive at an understanding. 

I profit of this occasion to ask that ycu will call the attention of the 
Count de Bismarck to the demand which has heretofore been addressed 
to the Prussian Government by the intermediary of the English em- 
bassy relative to Mr. Duboue, sublieutenant of the fifty-seventh regi- 
ment of infantry, wounded in the thigh at the engagement of the 18th 
of August, and amputated at the Prussian ambulance of Jerusalem 
(commune of St. Privat la Montague, canton and arrondissement of 
Briez, department of the Moselle). 

The gravity of the wound of this officer makes it just to return him 
without exchange, according to the 36th article of the Prussian regu- 
lations in regard to prisoners of war, and the 6th article of the con- 
vention of Geneva. 
Eeceive, «&c., 

JULES FAVEE. 

Mr. Washbuene, 

Minister of the United States of America^ Paris. 



No. 125. 

Mr. Favre to Mr. Washburne. • 

Paris, Sunday, December 11, 1870. 
Sir, and vert Dear Minister: I have the honor to bring to your 
notice a fact to which I beg you will call the attention of the Count de 
Bismarck. 1 am sure he will recognize that the reclamation is just in 
every particular. The president of the international society for aiding 
the wounded has informed me that on Thursday, the 2d December, 
one of the chaplains of our ambulances, the Abb6 Bouquet, vicaire at 
St. Germain des Pres, in pursuing his charitable mission on the heights 
of Champiguy, was taken and retained by the Prussians. 

The Abb6 Bouquet wore the badge and had his certificate of identity. 
He was therefore protected by the German convention and by the laws 
of war, and I shall be glad to learn that the Prussian authorities, being 
informed of these facts, will hasten to liberate the Abbe Bouquet. 
Kindly receive, sir, «&c., 

JULES FAVKE. 
Mr. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of America, Paris. 



108 FRANCO-GEEMAN WAR. 

E'o. 126. 

Mr. WasMurne to Mr. Bancroft. 

Legation of the United States, 

Faris, December 12, 1870. 

My Dear Colleague: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt 
of your favor of the 22d ultimo. Nothing would afford me greater 
pleasure than to serve our Danish friends, and I will go and see the 
Danish minister here as soon as I am able to leave my house, to which 
1 am coniined by the Paris grippe. 

1 fear, however, nothing can be done, as the military authorities on 
both sides are unwilling to permit anybody to leave these gay and fes- 
tive scenes. 

It seems impossible for me to avail myself of the permission of the 
President to leave Paris. 

There are so many of our country people here who are leaning on me, 
and so much American property to look after ; and then I have a great 
deal to do as the protector of the Germans — I am furnishing pecuniary 
aid to six hundred — and who would starve were it not for the generosity 
of the Prussian Government. 

I hope for an end sometime — but ivhen ? 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 

His Excellency Mr. Bancroft. 



No. 127. 

* Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 332.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, December 12, 1870. (Received January 4, 1871.) 
Sir: I have the honor to send you herewith a translation from the 
" Journal .Offlciel " of December 8 of the government report of the bat- 
tle of Villiers, and of the military movements immediately connected 
therewith. 

I am, &c., 

E, B. WASHBURNE. 



I^Inclosure.] 
{From the Official Journal, December 8, 1870.] 

The late sorties made by the army of Paris on the 29th and 30th of November, and 
on the 1st, 2d, and "dd of December, led to engagements on most of the points of 
the enemy's lines of investment. 

On the evening of the 28th of November operations commenced. 

To the east, the plateau of Avron was occupied by the seamen of Admiral Taisset at 
8 o'clock, supported by the division of Hugues ; a powerful artillery of pieces of long 
range was placed in battery on this plateau, threatening, at a great distance, the 
positions of the enemy, and the roads used by their convoys at Gaguy, Chelles, and 
Gournay. 

To the west, in the peninsula of Gennevilliers, earth-works were begun under the 
direction of General de Liniers ; the batteries were armed anew, gabions were placed, 
and rifle-pits dug in the islands of Marante, of Bezons, and on the railroad to Rouen. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 109 

Tho next (lay General de Beaufort ended tlie operations on the west side, making a 
veconnaissance toward Buzenval and the heights of Malmaison, resting on his right, 
which joined the troops of General de Liniers in front of Bezons. 

The '2dth at daybreak tho troops of the third army, under General Vinoy, made a 
sortie on Thiais, I'Hay, and Choisy-le-Roi, and the tire of tho forts was directed on 
several points remarked as selected for the concentration of the enemy's troops. 

Movements executed during tho two preceding days had filled the plain of Auber- 
villiers with numerous forces, and united the three corps of the second army under the 
orders of General Ducrot, on the banks of the Marne. 

The 30th November, at the break of day, bridges, prepared out of sight of the 
enemy, were thrown across the Marne near Nogent and Joinville, and the two 
first corps of the second army, led by Generals Blanchard and Renault, rapidly effected 
the passage of the river with all their artillery. The success of this movement had. 
been secured by a sustained fire of artillery from the batteries of position placed on the 
right bank of the Marne at Nogent, at Perreux, at Joinville, and in the peninsula of 
Saint-Maur. 

At nine o'clock, these two corps d'arm^e attacked the village of Champigny, the 
wood of the Plant, and the nearest portions of the plateau of Villiers. At eleven 
o'clock, all these positions were carried and intrenchments were already commenced 
by the troops of the second line, when the enemy made a vigorous forward movement, 
supported by fresh batteries of artillery. At this moment our losses were serious ; in 
front of Champigny, the Prussian pieces in position at Chenneviferes and at Coenilly 
forced back the columns of the first corps, while a heavy infantry force, descending 
from tho intrenchments of Villiers, charged the troops of General Renault. At this 
point it was owing to the vigorous efforts of the artillery under the command of Gen- 
erals Fr6bault and Boissonet that the advance of the enemy was checked. 

Thanks to the changes made in our batteries, the Prussian artillery was partly dis- 
mounted, and our men, led to the charge by General Ducrot, took final possession of 
the crests. 

During these operations, the third corps, under the orders of General d'Ex^a, ad- 
vanced in the valley of the Marne as far as Neuilly-au-Marne and Ville-Evrard. Bridges 
were thrown across the Petit-Bry, and Bry-au-Marne was attacked and occupied by 
Bellemare's division. Its advance, delayed by the passage of the river, was continued, 
beyond the village as far as the slopes of the plateau of Villiers, and the efforts of its 
columns aided in taking possession of the crests effected by the second corps in front 
of Villiers. In the evening our bivouac fires extended over all the hill-sides of the left 
bank of the Marne, while those of our reserve blazed on the slopes of Nogent and 
Fontenay. 

The same day, November 3, the division of Susbielle, supported by a strong reserve 
of the "bataillons de marche" of the National Guard, advanced in front of Creteil 
and carried the positions of Mesley and Montmesley, which they occupied till evening. 
This diversion on the right of the operations of the second army was supported by 
fresh sorties, made on the left bank of the Seine, towards Choisy-le-Roi and Thiais, by 
the troops of General Vinoy. 

To the north. Admiral La Ronci^re, supported by the artillery of his forts, occupied 
Drancy and the farm of Groslay in the plain of Aubervilliers; strong bodies of the 
enemy were thus drawn to the banks of the rivulet, the Mor^e, behind the bridge of 
Iblon. Toward two o'clock, the admiral passed through Saint Denis, and, at tho head 
of fresh troops, directed an attack on Epinay, which our soldiers, supported by the 
batteries of the peninsula of Genuevilliers, successfully occupied. 

The 1st December there were only some skirmishes of sharpshooters at the begin- 
ning of the day in front of the positions of the second army ; the fire of the plateau of 
Avron continued to disturb the movements of the enemy at Chelles and at Gouruay, as 
he concentrated his troops in large numbers (at night particularly), with a view to 
bring up fresh forces behind the positions of Coenilly and of Villiers. 

December 2, before day, the fresh forces, thus concentrated, attacked the positions 
of the army of General Ducrot ; on the whole line the attack was made suddenly and 
unexpectedly upon the advanced posts of the three corps d'arm^e, from Champigny as 
far as Bry-au-Marne. 

The effort of the enemy failed ; supported by a considerable force of artillery, our 
troops, notwithstanding the losses they sustained, opposed the most solid resistance. 
The fight was long and terrible. Our batteries checked the advance of the Prussian 
columns on the plateau; at 11 o'clock the efforts of the enemy were entirely defeated. 
At 4 o'clock the fire ceased, and we remained masters of the field of battle. The 3d of 
December, without the enemy being able to harass our retreat, aided by the fog, 
100,000 of the second army recrossed the Marne, leaving the Prussian army to carry off 
its dead. 



110 FEANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

Our losses on these several days were — 

OflScers: 

Killed. Woundei. 

Second army 61 301 

Third army 8 22 

Army corps of Saint Denis 3 19 

72 342 

Soldiers : 

Killed. Wounded. 

Second army 711 4,098 

Third army 192 3t54 

Army corps of Saint Denis 33 218 

936 4, 680 

Killed. Wounded. 

Officers * 72 342 

Soldiers '. 936 4,680 

1, 008 *5, 022 

A detailed report addressed to the minister of war will be published hereafter. The 
losses of the enemy were very considerable; they are in proportion to the efforts he 
made to carry our positions. Overwhelmed by a formidable artillery fire on all points 
where he showed himself, our projectiles reached his most distant reserves. In addi- 
tion, officers, prisoners of war, have stated that several regiments were annihilated 
by the fire of our infantry in front of Champigny. 
By order. 

SCHMITZ, 
General Chief of Staff. 



Xo. 128. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fisli. 

No. 335.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, December 12, 1870. (Received January 4, 1871.) 
Sir : Since my dispatch of one week ago to-daj^. No. 328, no events 
of any importance have transpired in Paris. The extreme cold weather 
of the last week has prevented any military operations about the city. 
It is said that preparations are going on for another sortie, and, if the 
weather be favorable, that it is likely to take place the last of this 
week. In the Paris journals that I have the honor to transmit you 
herewith, you will find the correspondence between Moltke and Trochu, 
which will explain itself. The news of the defeat of the army of the 
Loire, and the retaking of Orleans, as communicated by Moltke, seems 
to have made but a very little impression on the people of Paris. Gen- 
eral Trochu has been fully sustained in his refusal to send an officer to 
verify the facts, as suggested by Moltke. The governrnent of the 
National Defense and the people of Paris seem to have abandoned all 
idea of an armistice, or of a peace, and to have made up their minds 
to resist to the last extremity, and until every resource is exhausted. 
There are various opinions as to the length of time the city can hold 
out. Yesterday there was a great bread panic, but it is allayed to-day 
by the announcement in the official journal that there is bread enough, 
and that there is no necessity of any rationing for the present. I think 

*It la to be observed that in this numbar of wounded soldiers are included at least one-third slightly 
■wounded, not sent to hospital. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. Ill 

the prevailing opinion is that it is possible for the city to hold out until 
the 1st of February, but that must be guess-work to a very consider- 
able extent. A good many people think that the provisions will give 
out suddenly, to be followed by an irresistible clamor for a surrender. 
We shall see. You may infer from what I have written that I do not 
expect to see the siege raised by a successful sortie. Everything seems 
almost as bad as can be for the people of Paris as well as France. The 
suffering in the city is much aggravated by the extreme and unsea- 
sonable cold weather. The mortality last week was frightful, over two 
thousand. A great many old people and a great many children perish 
from the want of suitable food and from the cold. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 129. 
Count Bismarck to Mr. Washhurne. 

[Translation.] 

Versailles, December 14, 1870. (Received December 20.) 
Sir : After the combats of the 2d of December near Champigny, Mr. 
de Lorenz, second lieutenant in the one hundred and eighth regiment 
of Saxon Chasseurs, had disappeared, and it has been impossible to 
ascertain what has become of him. 

At the instance of his family, whose anxiety I would be glad to be 
able to appease, I beg that you will kindly take s^teps to ascertain if 
Mr. de Lorenz is found among the prisoners, if he has been wounded, 
and, if he is wounded, whether his wound is dangerous. 
Please to accept, sir, the assurance of my high consideration. 

V. BISMARCK. 
His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

Minister of the United iStates of America at Paris. 



i^o. 130. 
Count Bismarck to Mr. Washburne. 

[Translation.] 

Versailles, December 15, 1870. (Received December 20.) 
Sir : I had the honor to receive your letter of the 30th of November, 
with the inclosed list of German prisoners of war held in Paris. 

In relation to the desire expressed by Mr. Jules Favre to obtain in 
exchange a list of the French prisoners of war confined in Germany, 
I have had to consult in the first place with my colleague, the minister 
of war. It appears from a communication which he has just sent me 
01 this subject that the names alone would require about 3,000 sheets, 
that is 12,000 pages of writing, at the rate of 25 to 30 names per page * 
a labor, therefore, which would take much time, and could not be com- 
pleted within some months. 
The Government of the King will be entirely willing to send him, 



112 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

whenever he shall express the desire, the information which is at its 
disposition in regard to French i^risoners of war confined in Germany 
who may be designated by hioi for that purpose. 
Please accept, sir, the assurance of my high consideration. 

V. BISMAECK. 
His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of America at Paris. 



No. 131. 

Count Bismarck to Mr. Washburne. 

[Translation.] 

Yersailles, December 15, 1870. 

Sir: I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 3d of Decern- 
ber with its inclosures in relation to the arrest of M, de Raynal. 

After making new inquiries on this subject of the military authorities, 
I can only confirm what I had the honor to say to you in my letter of 
the 19fch of December, that M. de Raynal brought this measure upon 
himself by clandestine correspondence which he kept up, not only with 
Paris, but also with Tours. 

It appears, besides, from information which comes to me in regard to 
this affair, that M. de Raynal is confiued at Minden, and that orders 
have been given to allow him all the facilities compatible with his posi- 
tion. Isothing prev;ents his father, therefore, from sending him assist- 
ance in money. 

Please to accept, sir, the assurance of my high consideration. 

V. BISMARCK. 

His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of America at Paris. 



No. 132. 
"^ Count Bismarclc to Mr. Washburne. 

[Translation.] 

Yersailles, December 18, 1870. (Received December 20.) 
Sir : You were so obliging as to send me with your letter of the 10th 
of December a copy of a communication from Mr. Jules Favre, of date 
the lOtli of this month, in which he informs you of the resolution of the 
French Government to accept the proposition contained In my letter of 
the 8th of December, in relation to a general exchange of prisoners of 
war, on condition, however, that the sailors of the German commercial 
marine captured by the French naval forces shall participate in the 
jjxchange in question. 

I have the honor to inform you that the King's government finds itself 
obliged, to its regret, to decline the proposition in the terms formulated 
by M. Jules Favre. 
I have already protested in a note of date the 4th of October last, 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 113 

addressed to the delegation of the French Government at Tonrs, against 
the proceedings employed with regard to the German sailors of the 
commercial marine, poiuting out the fact that by their condition they 
are foreign to the military operations, and that the French Government 
goes beyond its riglits in holding them as prisoners of war. In his re- 
ply of the 28th of October, the Count de Chaudordy claimed to justify 
this mode of action by arguments drawn from the ancient maritime 
ordinances of the fifteenth, sixteenth, and eighteenth centuries, the stipu- 
lationsof which are in flagrant contradiction with the i)rinciples of modern 
civilization, alleging that our sailors of the commercial marine should 
not be considered as disconnected with military o[)eratious, our laws 
])ermitting them to be called into the active service at any moment. 
These arguments were answered by me in a note addressed to the dele- 
gation of the French Government at Tours on the IGth of November, 
which remains as yet without reply. 

I pointed out particularly that if the mere possibility of being called 
into the service established in the eyes of the French Government the 
right to hold as prisoners of war peaceable citizens who were solely 
occupied with their trade, we would have an incontestable right, and 
one much better founded, to seize every Frenchman who fell into our 
])Ower — all French citizens, without exception, under forty-five years of 
age, being called into the service. The King's government can only 
adhere to this view, which seems in all respects well founded, and which 
will not permit it to surrender, in exchange for peaceable citizens whose 
captivity is in contradiction with the principles of modern law, officers 
and subalterns called to render active and immediate service in the 
French army. In giving up an equal number of French citizens arrested 
and confined in Germany as hostages for the safety of the sailors of the 
commercial marine, it believes that it otiters a just equivalent for their 
liberation. 

If the government of the National Defense persists in making the par- 
ticipation of the sailor a condition of the exchange of prisoners of war, 
it is necessary to renounce an agreement on this measure, and the King's 
government will confine itself to arresting in all the French cities, as 
they are occupied by our troops, the principal inhabitants, who will be 
treated as prisoners of war, and will undergo the same fate as our sailors 
of the commercial marine unjustly retained as captives in France. 

Please accept, sir, the assurance of my high consideration, 

V. BISMARCK. 

His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

Minister of the United IStates at Paris. 



No. 133. 

Mr. Washhiirne to Mr, Fish. 

No. 338.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, December 19, 1870. (Received January 11, 1871.) 
Sir: There have been no military movements in or about Paris for 
the last week, and since my dispatch No. 335; but, on the other hand, * 
the greatest quiet has prevailed. It now seems to be well understood 
that another sortie is to be attempted day after to-morrow, the result of 
which you will learn long before this reaches you. There is not the 
S. Ex. 21 8 



114 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

least indication of yielding on the part of the people of Paris, and I see 
110 reason to change the opinion I have hitherto expressed, that the city 
may hold out until the 1st of February. The surrender appears inevi- 
table, and now only a question of weeks. Peace is regarded by every 
one as entirely out of the question. The Prussians will hold military 
possession of Paris, and of course there will not be even the shadow of 
a French Government here. I shall hope to have full instructions as to 
the course that I shall pursue in the emergencies which are so certain to 
arise. The telegraph will inform you of the events as they occur, and 
perhaps it may be necessary for you to advise me by a telegraphic dis- 
patch sent to our minister in Loudon. Unless something unforeseen 
occurs, I propose to remain here till the end. The last dispatch-bag 
that I have received left Loudon on the 25th ultimo. We have no news 
from outside since that date, except the merest scraps brought by 
pigeons, and a few items from certain German newspapers that have 
by some means found their way into Paris. In one of these journals is 
a very brief abstract of the President's message, from which 1 am glad 
to learn that the President testifies that I have acquitted my mission, 
as the protector of the Germans residing in France, in a "satisfactory 
manner." I am afraid it will be a long time before I get the message 
in full, the reports of the heads of the Departments, and the first day's 
proceedings in Congress. The date of your last dispatch is the 10th 
ultimo, and the last New York dates are of the 12th ultimo. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 134. 

Mr. Wasliburne to Count Bismarck. 

Legation of thk United States, 

Paris, December 19, 1870. 
Sir: I have the honor of sending you herewith a copy of a letter 
addressed to me by Mr. Jules Favre, with the inclosures. 

The number of poor Germans to whom I am now giving succor has 
increased to eleven hundred and seven souls, and additional ones are 
coming in every day. Indeed, my legation is now crowded every day 
■with these unfortunate people in the last stage of misery. I give to 
each one all proper aid. 
Very truly, &c., 



His Excellency Count de Bismarck, 

tfcc, tf'C, &c. 



E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 135. 

31r. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 341.J Legation of the United States, 

Paris, December 26, 1870. (Received January 21.) 
Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. 327, in relation to the tax which 
the city government proposed to levy on the apartments of our country- 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 115 

men wlio had left Paris, and to my letter on that subject addressed to 
Mr. Jules Favre, I now liave the pleasure to send you lierewitli a trans- 
lation of a letter which I have just received from Mr. Favre on that sub- 
ject. You will be pleased to see that the government does not propose 
to press the collection of the tax in question. 

I have, &c., E. B. WASHBURNE. 

His Excellency Count de Bismarck, 

i&C, t£c., dtc. 



[Tnclosure.] 
Mr. Favre to Mr. Washhm-ne. 

Paris, December 24, 1870. 
Sir: You did me the honor to write to me on the 21th of November last to inform 
me of the objections made by yonr fellow-citizens to the tax upon absentees. 

The member of the government of the National Defense who has been appointed 
mayor of Paris has informed me that, having examined the question afresh, he has 
decided that no further steps shall be taken against the persons to whom notice has 
been sent. 
I hasten to inform you of this decision. 

Receive, &c., JULES FAVRE. 



:So. 136. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 342.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, Decemher 26, 1870. (Received January 21, 1871.) 

Sir : The "sortie" about which I had the honor to write you on the 
19th instant was attempted on Wednesday last, and proved entirely 
unsuccessful. The loss of men in battle was not very serious, but the 
army suffered immensely from the intense cold weather of the last five 
days. I should judge that there will be no further military operations 
attempted for some time. The failure of the sortie and the great suffer- 
ing of the army have produced a very bad impression in Paris, and the 
clubs have become extremely violent. I shall not be surprised to see 
very serious disturbances take place. Hunger and cold will do their 
"work. The wood-riots have already commenced. 

I received, on Tuesday afteruoon last, after I had sent off my dis- 
patches, two dispatch-bags from London, one of them leaving there on 
the 2d, and the other on the 10th instant. The bag leaving on the 10th 
brought only your official dispatches, and no newspapers. I theretbre 
have Loudon papers only to the 2d instant, and New York papers only 
to the 19tli ultimo. I am, therefore, without intelligence from the out- 
side for a very long time, except some little items taken from German 
papers found on prisoners captured in the tight of Wednesday. The 
most important item of news is the reported denunciation by Prussia of 
the Luxemburg treaty of 1807, and it has created quite a sensation 
here. Not enough is known about the matter, however, to enable any 
judgment to be formed as to the figure it is to cut in the present situa- 
tion. 

The mortality of the city continues to be very great. The number of 
deaths last week was 2,728, which is the precise number of the week 
previous. The suffering here has increased verj' much during tlje last 
week, and if it keeps on, and there are no military successes to keep up 
the spirits of the people, I am not so clear that my prediction in my 



116 FRANC O-GEEMAN WAR. 

dispatch No. 337, in regard to the time the city might hold out, will be 
verified. 

The number of poor Germans who are coming to me for aid is in- 
creasing very fast. They now number fifteen hundred and forty-seven, 
and are increasing daily. Our legation is thronged with them every 
day, from morning till night. I have been compelled to employ two 
additional men to help me. If this thiug is to continue, the charge 
upon the contingent luud will be larger than I have heretofore esti- 
mated. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



2^0. 137. 
Mr. Favre to Mr. Washhurne. 

[Translation.] 

Paris, Becemher 27, 1870. * 
Sir : The minister of war has sent me a package of letters and papers 
found upon the person of Mr. Adolphe Hermann Peters, a soldier of the 
one hundred and sixth regiment of Prussian infantry, who was found 
on the battle-field of Yilliers-sur-Marne, the 1st of December, and taken 
to the hospital of Ste. Anne, where he died on the 5th of same month 
from the etfects of his wounds. 

I hasten to send you herewith the divers papers, and pray you will be 
kind enough to forward them to the German authorities. 

Eeceive the assurance of the very high consideration with which I 
have the honor to be, &c., 

JULES FAVRE. 
Mr. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of America at Paris. 



1^0. 138. 

Count Bismarck to Mr. Washhurne. 

[Translation.] 

Versailles, December 27, 1870. (Received December 30.) 
Sir: Lord Howden, living at No. 28 Oour la Reiue, Paris, has applied 
to me for permission to cross our lines. His name must have been for- 
gotten by the English embassy in the list of the English desiring te 
leave Paris, and I beg you to consider him as belonging there, and in- 
form him that he can j)ass through our advance posts on the route to 
Creteil if he presents himself, furnished with a passport in due form, 
and a pass signed by you, leaving no doubt as to his identity. It is 
indispensable that no precaution be neglected on this last point, as our 
good faith has been taken advantage of several times by persons who 
have left Paris without our consent by taking the name and place of some 
foreigner authorized to cross our lines. 

Please to accept, sir, the assurance of my high consideration. 

V. BISMARCK, 
His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of America at Paris. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 117 

Ko. 139. 
Count Bismarck to Mr. Washburne. 
[Translation,] 

Versailles, December 27, 1870. (deceived December 30.) 

Sir: It appears by an official report to the military authority that on 
the 23(1 of this month shots were fired by French soldiers at the German 
officer charged with taking letters to the advanced jmsts of the enemy 
at the moment when he was about to leave the bridge of Sevres, and 
while the flags of truce were flying on both sides. 

At the commencement of the war, our officers, and the trumpeters who 
accompanied them, were often, I may say regularly, victims of the dis- 
regard by the French troops of the rights of the bearers of flags of truce ; 
it became necessary to give ui) all communication of this kind, in order 
to no longer expose our soldiers to the dangers which appeared to be 
inseparable from it. For some time past they seem to have returned 
to a stricter observance of the law of nations universally recognized, 
and it has been possible to maintain regular relations with Paris, estab- 
lished with a special view to facilitating the sending out of dispatches 
from your legation. 

The case occurring on the 23d proves anew that our flags of truce are 
not safe within the range of the guns of the French soldiers, and we 
will be obliged to give up the exchange of communication with the enemy 
unless there are serious guarantees against the recurrence of similar 
aggressions. 

I beg you, therefore, sir, to be good enough to inform Mr. Jules Favre 
of what occurred on the 23d of December last, and to insist on severe 
measures against infractions, which, for the sake of our soldiers, we can 
no longer admit. If the Government of the National Defense desires 
to continue in future to have communications by flags of truce, it will 
not hesitate to recognize the justice of our demands and to order an 
inquiry into the (acts of which we comi)lain, as well as the pnnishment 
of the guilty. Until it sends us a communication that is satisfactory in 
this regard, containing guarantees for the future, we shall be obliged to 
suspend relations which are only adnussible under the protection which 
the most conscientious observance of the rules of the international laws 
of war ought to give to them. 

Please to accept, sir, the assurance of my high consideration. 

V. BISMARCK. 

His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of America at Far is. 



^0. 140. 

Mr. Washbur7ie to Mr. Fish. 

Ko. 344.] Legation of the United States, 

Faris, January 2, 1871. (Received February 4.) 
Sir: Nothing of very great importance has taken place during the 
last week. The French have been driven off the plateau of Avron by 
the Prussian artillery, and three of the French forts have been severely 



118 FEANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

bombartletl. No very great dainage has as yet been done to the forts, 
but 1 think the French military authorities have been greatly surprised 
at the long range and heavy metal of the Prussian guns. Many peoi)le 
are now predicting that the Prussians will have possession of one of the 
French forts before loug. Such possession would enable them to bom- 
bard the city. As for myself, I have no information to enable me to form 
any opinion on the subject. The excessive and exceptional cold weather 
continues, and the suffering in the city is steadily iucreasiug. The fuel 
famine is likely to become as severe as the food famine. The deaths in 
the city for the last week, independent of the number dying in the mili- 
tary hospitals, amounted to the frightful number of 3,!^80. Great dis- 
content is now prevailing among the poorer classes, but yet there seems 
to be a disposition to hold out to the last extremity. Opinions differ as 
to the length of time the city can stand, but I think the prevailing idea 
is that it will not surrender till the 1st of February. There are some 
who even think it will hold out longer than that. It is all speculation, 
at best. I have myself been so often at fault on this subject that I will 
not hazard a further opinion. 

The number of indigent Germans who are new calliug on me for as- 
sistance is increasing fearfully. It amounts today to seventeen hundred 
and Jifty three. They are suffering severely, in spite of all I can do for 
them. They have become so numerous that the legation could not 
accommodate them, and so I have hired a small room on the ground- 
floor immediately under our legation, where I have their wants admin- 
istered to. I am doing everything in my power to alleviate the suffer- 
ings of these unfortunate people, but if the siege continue much longer, 
I really do not know what is to become of them, for the time is fast ap- 
proaching when money cannot procure what is necessary to sustain 
human life. My position in this regard is becoming embarrassing to 
the last degree. 

The government has no intelligence whatever from the outside world 
since the 14th ultimo. I have London papers of the 23d and New York 
papers of the 10th ultimo, but 1 catmot make their contents known. The 
dispatches 1 have received from you will be acknowledged in another 
communication. 

With the compliments of the season for yourself and for those gentle- 
men in the departjuent with whom I was associated, even for so short a 
time, I have, &C.5 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 141. 

Mr. Fish to Mr. Washburne. 

No. 211.] Department of State, 

Washington, Becemher 6, 1870. 

Sir : I inclose herewith a copy of a dispatch of the 5th ultimo, and of 
its accompaniments, addressed to this department by Mr. John de la 
Moutagnie, United States consul at Boulogne, in relation to the expense 
incurred by him in subsisting French soldiers, by order of the authori- 
ties at that place. 

You are instructed to bring this matter to the notice of the French 
Government, and to request that proper steps maybe taken for the 
repayment to the consul of the amount thus expended by him. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 119 

You will observe from the letter of the mayor of Boulogne to the con- 
sul that he dischiims the right of subjectitifif the consul of the United 
States to the tax for the supijort of soldiers. The act really seems to 
have been that of billeting soldiers upon the consul, and, as such, is in 
direct contravention of the second article of the convention of 23d Feb- 
ruary, 1853. 

The mayor, in his letter of 15th October, assimilates the position of 
the American consul to that of certain other consuls, who by custom of 
previous years have not been subjected to this imposition. 

The action of the mayor relieves the present case from any serious 
a8i)ects, and this government is indisposed at the present time to dwell 
upon irregularities in this regard which may have occurred. 

But you will call the attention of the minister for foreign affairs to the 
violation of the immunities of the consul, which have thus been invaded, 
and say that the exemption admitted to attach to the consul at Boulogne 
exists, in the opinion of this government, by virtue of the convention 
of 1853, and cannot be accepted by reason of any special custom with 
regard to the consuls of other nations. 
1 am, «&u., 

HAMILTON FISH. 



Ko. 142. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

iSTo. 345.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, January 9, 1871. (Received February 4, 1871.) 
Sir: I have the honor to state, referring to my dispatch No. 343, that 
I wrote to Mr. Jules Favre upon the subject of the claim made by Mr. 
de Moutagnie, United States consul at Boulogne, for reimbursement for 
the expenses incurred by him in the entertainment of French soldiers 
in that city. Mr. Kavre admits promptly the justice of the claim, and 
states that as soon as possible he will examine the question of the 
amount of the reimbursement to be paid. 
I am, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



No. 143. 

Count Bismarck to Mr. Washburne. 
[Translation.] 

Versailles, January 5, 1871. 

Sir : I had the honor to receive the two letters which you. kindly ad- 
dressed me on the 2d of January current, in relation to the attack 
which took place December 23 upon a German officer charged in his 
character of bearer of a flag of truce with carrying dispatches to the 
French posts. f 

It appears from the communication of Mr. Jules Favre, and from the 
note of the governor of Paris, of which you have kindly transmitted 
to me a copy, that the government of the National Defense, desiring that 
the intercourse of the two armies under flag of truce should be gov- 
erned by an exact observance of the laws of war, has ordered an in- 



120 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

quiry into the case in question, and tbat full satisfaction shall be given 
to our demands if the fact should be established b}' witnesses. 

The King's government believes it may hope that the investigation 
will be pursued according to the assurance contained in the letter of 
General Da Moulin, and that some positive result will ensue. 

Meanwhile, the government of the King sees with satisfaction in the 
assurances of Mr. Jules Favre, and of the governor of Paris, a pledge 
that severe orders will be given to observe strictly the rights of flags of 
truce. The resolution of the government of the National Defense permits 
us to maintain communications between the two armies, which are only 
possible upon condition that the security of flags of truce is scrupu- 
lously respected on both sides. 

In his letter Mr. Jules Favre states that the facts for which the 
French soldiers are blamed were only reprisals, and he cites two cases 
where French flags of tracv3 were the objects of aggressioQ on tbe pirt 
of the German advanced posts. 1 hasten to make this known to the mili- 
tary authorities, who will order a rigorous investigation, and, I may add, 
that from this time the guilty will be severely punished if the facts al- 
leged can be established. 

I beg you, sir, however, to call the attention of the government of 
the national defense to the fact that the shot fired on the 23d, at a 
German officer, cannot be attributed to an intention to make reprisals 
for what should happen on the 27th and 30th, and that the system of 
reprisals would never justify an attack upon the bearer of a flag of 
truce, especially when the pretext on which it is based has no other 
foundation than the most vague assertions, of which the truth can now 
no longer be verified. 

Please accept, sir, the assurance of my high consideration. 

V. BISMARCK. 

His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of America at Paris. 



No. 144. 

Count BismarcJc to Mr. WasMitrne. 

Versailles, January 9, 1871. 
Sir : While sending you your London dispatch-bag, together with 
a number of letters accumulated these last days, I beg you will excuse 
the tact that, owing to the diiectiou which the bombardment had taken 
during several days, the dispatch-bag reaches you later than usually. 
I am, your excellency's very obedient servant, 

V. BISMAECK. 
His Excellency E. B. Washburne, ^ 

Minister of the United States of America at Paris. 



No. 145. 
* 3Ir. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 346.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, January 9, 1871. (Received February 4.) 
Sir : The bombardment which the Prussians commenced on the "forts 
of the east," as they are called, that is to say, upon the forts of Romy, 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 121 

Nog-ont, Noisy, Eemanville, Aubervilliers, and tbe East, as well as npon 
the Plateau of Avron, on tbe 27tb ultimo, has continued to the present 
time, save some brief intervals. It bas been violent and long contin- 
ued, and, with tbe exception of driving the French from the Plateau of 
Avron, very little damage has been done, if we are to give credence to 
tbe official reports. On Wednesday night, the 4tb instant, a bombard- 
ment "en regie" was commenced against the "forts of the south," 
that is, against Issy, Yannes, Montrouge, Bicetre, and Ivry. This 
bombardment has continued up to this time with great fury, though 
witb some short interruptions. It is, therefore, now nearly five days 
since the Prussian batteries opened their fire on these forts. The can- 
nonading of some of them, particularly Vannes, has been terrific, but 
tbe military reports, while acknowledging the extreme violence of tbe 
tire, do not confess to any material damage. Whatever injury may 
have in reality been inflicted upon any of the forts, one thing is certain, 
no fort has yet been taken or even silenced, but, on the other hand, 
some of them have replied with great spirit, and, it is claimed, witb con- 
siderable effect. But what is more serious is the bombardment of the 
city. A great many shells have fallen in the city, on the left bank of 
tbe river, particularly in tbe neighborhood of the Luxembourg and the 
Pantheon. Some twenty or thirty people have been killed and wounded, 
including women and children, but no very great damage bas been done 
to the buildings. This bombardment of the city must be considered as 
an incident to the bombardment of the forts (the shells passing the 
forts and coming into the city), for, I take it, no premeditated bombard- 
ment of tbe place would be commenced until due notice thereof had 
been given and a surrender demanded. And I assume, further, that tbe 
diplomatic corps remaining near tbe government in Paris would be 
duly notified in case a regular bombardment were to be commenced. 
And yet it may be said that, in point of fact, tbe city is under bombard- 
ment to-day. Tbe matter is assuming a grave aspect, and Mr. Kero, tbe 
doyen of tbe diplomatic corps, will call tbe body together to-morrow to 
determine what action may be necessary in the premises. 

There is no doubt that the people of Paris are greatly surprised to 
find that tbe enemy can send bis shells into the very heart of their city, 
for it has always been contended that such a thing was impossible with- 
out tbe possession of one of tbe French forts. I am quite confident 
that my residence can now be reached by the Prussian batteries, but it 
is doubtful whether the legation is within tbe reach of any battery yet 
opened. If the shells begin to fall in a too close proximity to us, we 
shall have to remove to some safer place, provided it cau be found. 

There has been a good deal of discontent in the city during tbe past 
week. It has not, however, taken the direction of a cry for peace or 
surrender, but resulting in a sharp arraignment of the government for 
a failure to perform its wbcle duty. On Thursday last an address to the 
people of Paris, signed by a large number of persons calling them- 
selves " Delegates of tbe twenty arrondissements of Paris," was placarded 
in a large red handbill. I send tbe address herewith, as cut from one 
■ of the journals. Although a great many people said the arraignment 
was partially just, yet but few were willing to accept tbe remedy pro- 
posed, by replacing the government of tbe National Defense by tbe revo- 
lutionary commune. They evidently adopted Mr. Lincoln's theory, that 
it was uo time to swap horses while swimming a river. The consequence 
was that tbe handbills were torn down as fast as they were put up, 
even in tbe most turbulent parts of the city. General Trocbu made 
this trouble the occasion of issuing another proclamation, a copy of which 



122 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

I also inclose, and in which he declares " that the governor of Paris 
will not capitnlate." 

The bombardment has been the great subject of interest and conversa- 
tion during the past week. As I am writing, I learn that it was ex- 
cessively violent the latter parb of last night and that it has continued 
equally violent during to-day. Many people are reported to have been 
killed. There is apparently not the alarm felt that one might suppose 
amid all this danger. So far the people have accepted it with a calm 
and nonchalance almost amounting to recklessness. When it shall 
become more terrible, however, a panic might seize the population and 
great trouble may come. 

The cold has moderated, and the suffering of the people in that respect 
has been very sensibly ameliorated. The number of deaths for the last 
week is three thousand six hundred and eighty, which is quite an increase 
over the number of the week before. The number of Germans seeking 
aid from me is still increasing. Nobody could have supposed there were 
so many left here when the gates of the city were shut. Oases of ter- 
rible suffering are brought to my notice every day. I heard a few days 
ago of a family in the last stage of destitution, absolutely perishing of 
cold and hunger. I immediately sent my messenger with a small quan- 
tity of wood, some wine, chocolate, sugar, confiture, &c. He found a 
family of seven persons, consisting of the father and mother and five 
children, cooped up in a little seven-by-nine attic, entirely without fire 
and nothing to eat but dry bread. They had already burned their last 
bedstead as a last resource. On a little pallet of straw on the floor was 
a little boy, seven years old, so weakened by hunger as to be unable to 
sit up or scarcely to lift his head. I directed some money to be given 
them, and I now hope to get them through, unless this siege shall last 
forever. The number that we are now assisting is two thousand and 
thirty-nine; an increase of two hundred and eighty six in one week. 

1 have not yet receivetl my dispatch bag, which should have left Lon- 
don on the 30th ultimo. My latest London dates are of the 23d, and 
I have dates of the 10th ultimo. 
I have, &c. 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 

P. S. — Monday evening, January 9. — Since writing the above T have 
heard of an accident that befel a young American. Last night, Charles 
M. Swager, of Louisville, Ky, was struck by a shell in his own room, 
"N"o. 7 Rue Cassimir de la Vigne, Hotel St. Sulpice. The shell burst in 
the room and a fragment struck his foot, and injuring it to such an ex- 
tent that amputation was found necessary. He was taken to the Ameri- 
can ambulance, and the operation was performed by Doctors Swinburne 
and Johnston this afternoon. The patient is doing well. 

E. B. W. 



:So. 146. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 347.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, January 16, 1871. (Received February 17.) 
Sir : It was but a short time after I closed my dispatch No. 346, 
bearing date the 9th instant, before the bombardment took such pro- 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 123 

portions ns to leave no doubt as to its true cliaracter. Bombs, in in' 
creasing- numbers, continued to tall in the interior of the city, not only 
upon private buildings, but upon hosj)itals, schools, churches, ambu- 
lances, prisons, &c., aiui men, women, and cliildreu, in considerable 
numbers, were killed and wounded. Not only has one of our own coun- 
trymen been grievously wounded, but the property of Americans has 
been destroyed, and a further destruction is imminent. In view of the 
gravity of the situation the diplomatic; corps (and the consuls acting 
in the absence of their respective legations) was convened to consider 
what was pioperfor them to do, looking to the protection of the lives 
and property of their countrymen now in Paris. After several meetings 
it was tigreed to address a communication to Count de Bismarck on the 
subject, a translation of which I have the honor to inclose yon herewith. 
To dny is the twelfth day since the bombardment of the city and the 
forts of the south commenced, and as it is generally supposed with all 
the power of the besieging forces. The Official Journal of yesterday has 
an official report of the results of the bombardment of the city from the 
5th to the 13th instant. This report shows one hundred and eighty- 
nine victims, fifty-one killed and one hundred and thirty-eight wounded. 
Of the fifty-one killed, there were eighteen children, twelve women, and 
twenty-one men. Of the one hundred and thirty eight wounded there 
were twenty-one children, forty-five women, and seventy-two men. The 
public edifices that have been struck are the Val de Grace, the Sorbonne, 
the Bibliotheque Sainte Genevieve, the churches of Sainte Etienne da 
Mont, Sainte Genevieve, Sainte Sulpice, and Vaugirard; the prison de 
la San:e, the barracks of Vieux Colombier, the hospital de la Piti6, the 
l)rison St. Pelagic, I'Ecole Polytechnique, I'Ecole Pratique de M^decine, 
the convent of the Sacre Coeur, the hospital of Salpetsiere, the normal 
school, the Institution for the Blind, the hospital of the Infant Jesus, 
Maternity, and de Lourcine, and the ambulances of St. Perine and of the 
Dames Augustines. The number of private buildings struck is about 
three hundred and fifty, but many of them but little damaged. No 
building of any great value has yet been burned. No bombs have yet 
fallen on the right bank of the Seine. When the length of time is con- 
sidered that the bombardment has been going on, and the enormous 
quantity of material that has been expended, the small number of killed 
and wounded and the small amount of actual damage is surprising. 
The bombardment so far has not had the effect of hastening the surren- 
der of the city. On the other hand, it has apparently made the people 
more firm and determined. In the presence of a common danger the 
feeling of hostility to the government, wh'ch was so openly manifested 
some two weeks ago, has been greatly modified. So much in regard to 
the bombardment of the city. It is hard to tell what the real state of 
facts is in regard to the damage done to the forts. The forts of the east 
have been bombarded for twenty, and the forts of the south for twelve, 
days, and one thing is certain that no fort has been either taken or 
silenced. How long any or all of these forts can hold out I have no 
, means of judging. With the possession of one of these forts the besiegers 
would have a much larger part of the city immediately under their guns, 
and a bombardment from such a point can only be contemplated with 
horror. And with the spirit now manifested by the people of Paris I 
do not believe the city would then yield. In the event of the city not 
yielding to bombardment or assault, the question always is, how long 
before it will have to yield to fatniue? I am reluctant to speak further 
on that subject, as my predictions have so often failed of verification.. 



124 FRAXCO-GEEMAX WAR. 

I sa^ yesterday the geutleraan who has charg^e of rationing the people 
f)f the aronilisseaieat in which I live, and he assured me they had 
enoagh provisions for tico months yet. Wtiile the amount of flour was 
running short, he said they had a great quantity of grain, and the only 
trouble was in makiug it into flour fast enough to supply the demand 
for bread. I met last night a gentlem m in a high officiarposition, and 
whose duty it has been to gather all the infor:uation possible in regard 
to the amount of food in the city, and he says there is enough to last 
easily till the first of 3Iarch. The bread will be of a poor quality, but 
there will be enough of it. Of rice there is a very large quantity, and 
an unlimited supply of wine, cotfee, sugar, &c. Another man, claiming 
to be equally well informed, will positively assure you that there are not 
more than provisions enough to last more than two weeks longer at tbe 
outside. You will see. therefore, how widely the opinions of people 
difl>r on this most vital question. 

We are again having cold weather, and the suffering of the people 
lias been intensified. The number of deaths is steadily increasing, and 
last week it amounted to thirty-nine hundred and eighty. 

My dispatch-bag. which left London on the30rh ultimo, only reached 
rae on Tuesday night, the 10th instant. It brought me home-papers to 
the 17th. and London papers to the oOth ultimo. The bag which un- 
doubtedly left Londou on the 6th instaut has not yet arrived. 
I have, tS:c., 

E. B. WASHBUEXE. 



[Incloanre. — Translation.] 
The DijplomaUc Corps to Count BismarcTc. 

Stk: For gome days past a large number of shells, coming from positions occupied 
bv the besieging troops, hare entered the interior of Paris. 

Women, children, and sick persons have been struck. Among the victims there are 
many who belong to neutral states. The lives and propertj' of persons of all natiou- 
alitiep, residing in Paris, are in constant danger. 

These things have happened without the undersigned (the greater part of whom 
have no other mission for the present at Paris, except to watch over the security and 
interests of their countryman) having been enabled by a preliminary notice to warn 
against the dangers which menaced them, those of their conutrymen who had been 
hitherto prevented by "force majeure,'" and especially by the impediments placed iu 
the way of their departure by the belligerents, from placing themselves in safety. In 
presence of events of so grave a character, the members of the diplomatic corps pres- 
fn^ at Paris, with whom are associated in the absence of their respective embassies and 
legations, the undersigned members of the consular corps, have thought it necessary, 
with a full sense of their resijonsibility toward their respective governments, and of 
their duties toward their fellow-countrymen, to concert upon the measures to be taken. 

Their deliberations have led the undersigned to the unanimous resolution to request 
that, in accordance with the recognized principles and usages of the law of nations, 
steps be taken to permit their countrymen to place themselves and their property iu 
safety. 

Expressing with confidence the hope that your excellency Avill interpose your good 
offices with the military- authorities, in accordance with the object of this request, the 
nndersigned take this opportunity to beg you will receive the assurances of their very 
high consideration. 

Paris, January 13, 1871. 

[Here follow the signatures of the diplomatic corps present in Paris] 

His Excellency the Count BtSiiARCK-ScHoxHAUSEX, 

Chancellor of the North (Jernian Confederation, Versailles. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 125 

^'o. 147. 

Mr. Washbiirne io Mr. Fish. 

No. 348.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, January 1(3, 1871. (Eeceived February 17.) 
Sir: Iu my clispatch No. 32L, dated November 19, 1870, 1 estimated 
that tbe amoiiDt to be paid out of the contiiigeut fund ot this legatiou, 
as connected with the expenses entailed upon it by virtue of our pro- 
tection to the subjects of tlie North German Confederation, would not 
be likely to reach more than tifceen hundred dollars. That sum was in- 
dependent of what I proposed should be paid to i>ersons connected with 
the legation. At the time I had tbe honor of addressing you that dis- 
l)atch, I supposed that my duties in that regard would have been ended 
before this time. Instead of that being the case, they have greatly in- 
creased, and no man can now venture to predict how long they are 
likely to continue. I am to-day furnishing aid to ticenty two hundred and 
seventy six destitute Germans, and I have had to employ three additional 
l)ersons in ray legation to perform the service necessary to look after 
these people. Besides, it is necessary to consider the vastly-enhanced 
prices of everything which we have to purchase, as incidents to the 
state of siege. For Instance, I have had to pay at the rate of more 
than fifty dollars a cord tor wood. There is besides quite au amount to 
pay for carriage-hire. Instead, therefore, of three thousand dollars 
(including extra compensation) which I estimated, it may in the end 
reach four thousand. I have thought proper to thus call this matter to 
your attention, iu order that you might bring it to the notice of Con- 
gress, provided you should deem it necessary. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



No. 148. 
Count Bismarclc to Mr. Washlurne. 

YEESArLLES, January 16, 187:1. 

Sir : Lord Angustus Loftns Las communicated to me copy of a letter 
addressed to Earl Granville by ]Mr. Tissot, the French charge d'atiaires 
at London, complaining of the system, as he calls it, of the German 
authoiities in the occupied parts of France, of takmg hostages and 
arresting persons belonging to the civil service. Copy of that letter 
you will find inclosed herewith. 

Concerning the hostages taken in order to procure the deliverance of 
the masters and crews ot German merchantmen treated as prisoners of 
war by the French, I have lully explained the reasons of our conduct, 
both in a letter addressed to the government at Tours under date of the 
16th of November last, and iu my dispatch to your excellency of the 5th of 
this month. Civil officials have been arrested and some of them sent to 
Germany, partly for trial, partly to be kept in safe custody, because they 
have acted in a matter prejudicial to the security of the German forces, 
or to the interest of our occupation. 

By the letter of Mr. Tissot I learn that one of them, Mr. Garceau, 
ingenieur des ponts et chaussees, arrested for having refused to continue 
his official functions, has done so in obedience to au order of his French 



126 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

superior. So far from justifying the demand of bis release this circum- 
stance affords an additional justification for the system complained of 
by Mr. Tissot. I might refer to the practice habitually observed by the 
French when occupying the territory of an enemy, which practice is 
amply and authentically detailed in the published correspondence of 
the Emperor Napoleon I. I might remind the government of ]!fational 
Defense that, according to that practice, Mr. Garceau would run the risk 
of being shot. But it will suffice to call their attention to this principle 
well established in international law, that a belligerent while occupy- 
ing the territory of the adversary may claim, and, if necessary, enforce 
obedience on the part of officials residing in that territory, and that the 
refusal of such an official to obey him would but be aggravated by the 
pretension of obeying orders issuing from the enemy. 

I beg you will be good enough to communicate a copy of the present 
letter to Mr. Jules Favre ; and I avail myself of this opportunity to renew 
to your excellency the assurance of my highest consideration. 

V. BISMAEGK. 

His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of America at Paris. 



is^o. 149. 

Count Bismarck to Mr. Washhurne. 
[Translation.] 

Versailles, January 19, 1871. 

Sir : I have received a communication from the military authorities, 
stating thattheprojectiles thrown by the French artillery bearing upon the 
city of Sevres on the 21st of December fell, by preference, upon the hospital 
of the city, and the convent of the Dominicans, occupied by the Sisters 
ot Gharity, both appropriated for the accommodation of the German 
wounded and sick, and surmounted by the flag with the red cross. The 
localities of Sevres are well known at Paris, and the distance of these 
hospitals from the site of the French batteries permits them to be dis- 
tinguished, and in any event is much less than that of our batteries from 
the city of Paris. It is, therefore, impossible to believe that it is by 
inadvertence. 1 protest against this violation of the Geneva conven- 
tion, and I beg you to kindly communicate this letter to Mr. Jules Favre. 

Please accept, sir, the assurance of my most distinguished considera- 
tion. 

V. BISMARCK. 

His Excellency E. B. Washburne, (&c., (S;c., &q. 



No. 150. 
Count Bismarck to Mr. Washhurne. 

[Translation.] 

Versailles, January 23, 1871. 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you herewith a letter from Mr. 
de Thile, secretary of state, concerning the liberation of Mr. Fontaine, 
ordered by the government of the national defense, at Tours. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 127 

It appears from this communication that as soon as tlie minister of 
war learned of the resolution adopted with regard to Mr. Fontaine he 
hastened to set at liberty the three hostages taken at Domremy to guar- 
antee the safety and lead to the liberation of the latter. Tlie demand 
contained in the document annexed to the letter of Mr. de Tliile, to send 
back to France a French officer in exchange for Mr. Fontaine, could not 
be acceded to because, in his character of man of letters, he stands in 
the same category as the captains of German merchantmen held un- 
justly in France. I take advantage of the occasion to make the obser- 
vation in regard to the latter that information worthy of belief, contrary 
to the evidence easily obtained in their sad condition by the French 
authorities, leaves no doubt in regard to the bad treatment to which 
they have been subjected in their captivity. The German authorities 
consider themselves obliged, in consequence of this information, to still 
increase the number of hostages detained at Bremen by having a certain 
number of persons arrested in different French cities, to be held in 
Germany until the French authorities consent to set at liberty the cap- 
tains of the merchant-marine whom they have sequestered. 

Please accept, sir, the assurance of my high consideration. 

V. BISMARCK. 

His Excellency B. B. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of America at Paris. 



No. 151. 

Mr. WasJiburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 350.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, January 23, 1871. (Received February 17.) 
Sir: I have the honor to send you herewith a copy of a correspond- 
ence I have had with Count de Bismarck (including one letter to Mr. 
Motley, and one to Mr. Moran), on the subject of my dispatch-bag to 
and from Paris to London. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



. [Inclosure 1.— Translation.] 

Count Bismarck to Mr, WasTiburne. 

Versailles, Decemder 6, 1870. 

Sir : The Daily News newspaper of the 24th November contains au article from its 
Paris correspondent, stating that the English papers arrive regularly by the dispatch- 
bag which is sent you each week by the United States legation in England. He adds 
a detailed account of the eagerness of the French journalists to peruse the English 
papers, so as to reproduce their contents in the Paris papers. 

If the statement alluded to be exact, it would imply relations incompatible with the 
rules dictated by the interests of military operations during the investment of Paris. 
The military authorities cannot sanction that foreign papers of recent date should 
reach the besieged without having been previously examined. 

In obtaining for the United States legation the privilege of receiving closed dis- 
patches within a besieged fortress, I allowed myself to be led by the conviction that 
we had not to fear any inconvenience liable to compromise our interest. 

I believed it to be understood that the authorization only applied to official communi- 
cations between the Washington government and the United States legation at Paris. 
The King's ambassador at London is instructed to make the like remarks to your 



128 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

colleague, Mr. Motley, who -will, doubtless, know on his side how to put an end to any 
abuse if there should be snch. 
Receive, sir, the renewed assurance of my high consideration. 

V. BISMARCK. 
Mr. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of America, Paris. 



[Iticlostire 2.] 
Mr. Washburne to Count Bismarck. 

Paris, Decemher 12, 1870. 

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, 
in relation to the reception of the London papers at this legation. 

1 took it for granted that a few numbers of the London papers of an old date could 
do neither good nor harm to any interest, and hence I permitted them to lie upou my 
table to be perused by people who were sufficleutly interested to come and look over 
them. But, as some of the Paris journals charge that they are sent to me by the Prus- 
sian authorities in the hope that the bad news they contain will discourage the French, 
and as you consider their reception incompatible with the rules dictated by your mili- 
tary operations, I shall decline receiving any more, and I have this day written to 
Loudou to have no more sent to me. 

It is proper for me to say that I received some London papers in the bag which 
arrived on Saturday last. They will be seen by no person whatever, excepting myself, 
and I shall most strictly guard their contents. I hope yon will tind no objection to my 
receiving through the bag the papers from my own country, with the understanding 
that they are particularly for my own perusal. I would be very glad if you would 
instruct Count Berustoffto consult with Mr. Motley on the subject. I shall write to 
Mr. Motley not to send me even the American journals without the assent of your gov- 
ernment, siguiiied by Count Berustotf. 

The bag arriving on Saturday only r^'ached here the sixteenth day after leaving 
London, and I am curious to know whether the great delay was on account of the 
French military authorities refusing to receive it. It ought not really to take more 
than four or five days for the bag to come from London here, and I wish that hereafter 
I might receive it within that time. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 

His Excellency Count de Bismarck, <f c, <fc., 4'c. 



[Inclosure 3.] 
Mr. Washiurne to Mr. Motley. 

Paris, December 12, 1870. 

My Dear Colleague : Count Bismarck writes that my reception of the London 
journals is incompatible with the interest of their military operations before Paris, and 
he says you will be conferred with in the same sense. I desire, therefore, that no more 
London papers be sent to me. I find their reception only a nuisance. It seems now 
the Prussians object, and some of the French papers have charged that they are sent 
to me by Bismarck, in the hope that the bad news they contain will demoralize and 
discourage the Parisians. It is, therefore, best that I should receive no more London 
papers, but I have written Count de Bismarck that I hope he will not object to my 
receiving our own home papers, and that he will instruct Count Bernstoft" to consult 
with you on the subject, and if Count Bismarck does not assent to it, you will be good 
enough not to send me the American papers. 

The Prussian authorities having granted me the privilege of having a bag, their 
understanding of what it should contain must be conformed to, and I do not wish that 
it should cover anything improper. 
Believe me, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure 4. — Translation.] 
Count Bismarck to Mr. Washburne. 

Versailles, December 15, 18 0. 
Sir: I have the honor to receive the letter which you have kindly addressed to n e 
under date 12th December, in relation to the English papers which reach you by the 



franco-(;erman war. 129 

(liapatcU-bag forwanlod from Loudon, aud I hasten to assure you that you have mis- 
understood the bearing of my remarks. 

In addressing you my letter of the 6th December last, I only intended to call your 
attention to the abuse noted by the correspondent of the Daily News, convinced that 
you were unaware of it, and that this would be sufficient to put an end to it, if it had 
existed. 

But I had no intention to deprive you personally of the English or American papers 
which you wish to receive, and you are entirely free to have them come for your own 
private use. I am persuaded that you will take the necessary precautions, so that no 
inconveniences shall result incompatible with our military interest. 

The King's ambassador at London is instructed to inform Mr. Motley that there is 
no opposition on our side to his continuing sending you the English and American 
papers which you wish to receive. 

Receive, sir, the assurance of my high consideratioTi. 

V. BISMARCK. 

His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of Amerioa, Paris. 



[Inclosure 5.] 

Mr. Washbxrne io Mr. Morau. 

Paris, January 1, 1871. 
Dear Mr. Moran : Please send me no more London papers ; only cut out the tele- 
graphic dispatches from the United States, from day to day, and send them. It is too 
much to be the only person, in a city of two millions of people, who receives any out- 
side news. It has become a great annoyance, and I prefer being without news to being 
subject to it. I hope you will receive permission to send all my private letters. I ex- 
pect you will send me all the American papers as usual. 
Yours, trulv, 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure 6.] ^ 

Mr. Washburne to Count Bismarck. 

Paris, January 4, 1871. 
Sir: The reception of the London journals may involve me in trouble, and I write 
Mr. Moran by General Read not to send me any more, only inclosing me the telegraphic 
dispatches from the United States which appear in them. Some Paris papers repre- 
sent that I have given out news ; others say that I give out nothing, because the 
news is favorable to the French arms ; aud attempts have been made to bribe my serv- 
-ants to get hold of them. I conclude the only safe way is to receive no more English 
papers. I shall expect to receive my home papers as usual, and hope also to have per- 
mission to receive my private letters. 
I have the honor, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 
His Excellencv Count he Bismarck, cfe. 



[Inclosure 7. ] 

Count Bismarck to Mr. Washlturne. 

Versailles, January 15, 1871. 
Sir : I beg to inclose extracts of three letters addressed by persons residing in Paris 
to correspondents abroad. They are taken out of a balloon sent up in Paris and cap- 
tured by our men. You will see from the copied passages that the facilities we have 
accorded to the correspondence of the American legation in London are known to pri- 
vate persons, some of them French, and made use of by them in order to carry ou a 
clandestine correspondence with other people, some of them French. Those extracts 
further prove that Mr. Hofifman is expected to lend a helping hand to au epistolary 
intercourse of that kind. I trust your excellency will effectually prevent the members 
of your legation from lending themselves to a practice, the continuance of which would 
make it imperative for me not to allow any letters to pass, except those bearing the 

S. Ex. 24 9 



130 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 



seal of the State Department of Washiugton. Ifc is the possibility of occurrences like 
these that makes the military authorities indisposed to favor a prompt expedition of 
your correspondence. Having reluctantly acceded to the whole arrangement, thev 
would have preferred sending your dispatch-bag not to London, but directly to Wash- 
ington ; and now the question may be raised by them of cutting off any correspondence 
between you and London. In that case, the best way, in my opinion, of obtainino- a 
prompter expedition with the least inconvenience to you, would be to have the dis- 
patch-bags for you made up and sealed, not in London, but in Washino-ton, and to 
send private letters addressed to you personally together with, but not inclosed in, ' 
the bag. ' 

Please let me know if such an arrangement would eventually suit you. 
I remain, with the highest consideration, your excellency's, &c., 

TT- -P n T, T> «r ^'- BISMARCK. 

His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States at Paris. 



[iDclosure 8.] 
Count Bismarck to Mr. Washburne. 



Versailles, January 15, 1871. 

Sir : I have the honor to transmit to your excellency the dispatch-bag received from 
London. In accordance with the wish expressed in your letter of the 13th instant I 
have, on my personal responsibility, immediately forwarded your dispatch-bag to Lon- 
don. In so doing I acted against the principle adopted by the general stai^ that no 
sealed packages or letters shall be allowed to pass through our lines in either direction 
without a stoppage of several days. The motive of this rule is the apprehension of 
the general staff that even the most scrupulous loyalty and attention on the part of 
the responsible chief might not always exclude the possibility of missives bein«- by 
irresponsible parties, introduced into an official cover. *" 

However much I may, from personal consideration, feel inclined to oppose this 
restriction in all cases where you are concerned, I cannot help perceiving that all my 
endeavors will be fruitless after the impression produced upon our general staff by the 
balloon letters which form the subject of another communication. 

I thterefore regret to state that it is out of my power to establish the present instance 
of immediate transmission as a precedent. 
I remain, &c., 

TT- TT n T. T> w ^- BISMARCK. 

His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States at Paris. 



Ilnclosure 9.] 
Mr. Washburne to Count Bismarck. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, January 19, 1871. 

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters, both under 
date of the 1.5th instant, relating to matters connected with the transmission of the 
United States dispatch-bag to and from this city. One of those letters incloses ex- 
tracts from those letters said to have been addressed by persons residing in Paris to 
correspondents abroad, such letters having been sent out in a balloon which was cap- 
tured by your men. 

There is no doubt but the facilities for correspondence which the legation of the 
United States at Paris has had are known in London and elsewhere, and that certain 
persons have sought to abuse those facilities, and, in order to accomplish their pur- 
peses, have attempted to make an unwarrantable use of this legation. A good many 
letters have found their way to our legation here. Many have been sent by your ex- 
cellency, some by Count Solms, and some by Count d'Hatzfeldt. These letters having, 
as I have assumed, passed through your hands, I considered that I had a sufficient 
guarantee that they contained nothing compromising to either belligerent, and I 
caused them all to be delivered to the parties to whom they were addressed, without 
examination. 

Of the letters that have found their way into my dispatch-bag, coming from London, 
some were addressed to my compatriots who have been detained in Paris. Such let- 



Manco-german war. 131 

ters, affeevliaving boon oxiiinined and found to contain noalliisiou to military or politi- 
cal matters, havo boun doliverod. 

A very few letters have come to mo addressed to people of nationalities otiier than 
Frencl), and after exainininiv thorn and finding that they contained no allusion to mil- 
itary events, I caused tlieiu also to be delivered. Perhaps in half a dozen cases I have 
delivered some very brief notes to French people well known to me, but only after the 
most s<'rnpnloas examination which showed them to contain absolutely nothing but 
reference to family matters. And I may say that nine out of ten of the small number 
of letters I have received through my dispatch-bag have not been delivered by me at 
all, as I considered that it was not in accordance with your understanding of what the 
bag might contain. I have to remark, therefore, that no letters, received through my 
dispatch-bag from Loudon, have ever gone out of this legation which contained any- 
thing in regard to military or political events, or containing anything in the least de- 
gree compromising to either of the belligerents; and 1 beg to say farther, that I have 
equally guarded the contents of my outgoing bag. 

In this connection permit me to observe that you will find inclosed herewith an en- 
velope, containing certain letters addressed to persons in Paris, and which you sent to 
Uie by the last parlementaire. I know nothing of these persons, and I know no reason 
why 1 should deliver the letters. I therefore have the honor to return them to you. 

As yoa suggest that the extracts of the balloon letters prove that Colonel Hoffman 
■was expected to lend a helping hand to .the epistolary correspondence, I am authorized 
by him to state that he has no idea of the parties who wrote two of the letters in 
which his name has beei. used, and he denies in the most emphatic manner that they 
could have been authorized to use his name in any way. As to the other party, Mrs. 
Chandor, an American lady, -whom he says he found in great distress on account of the 
sickness of her children with the small-pox, in Brussels, he consented to have informa- 
tion sent to him in regard to them. He had no conception that this act of pure kind- 
ness would be taken advantage of to get in a letter to the gentleman therein named, 
whom he had never heard of. I make haste to speak of Colonel Hoffman as a gentleman 
of the most unquestioned loyalty and honor, a man who thoroughly appreciates his duties 
and obligations, and holds to a most rigorous observance of them. I have no idea who 
the writer of the letters is who speaks of receiving news by the " intermediary of Mr. 
Washburne," but I do know that he never had any authority from me to use my name 
in that way, and in doing so was guilty of a gross impertinence and a gross outrage. 

I beg to thank your excellency for your prompt transmission of my bag to London, 
in accordance with the request of my letter of the 13th instant. 

In relation to the suggestion which your excellency makes, that my dispatch-bag 
shall be sent directly to Washington, not to be opened in London. I have to state that 
such an arrangement would deprive me of communicating with the United States 
legation in London, and through that legation, in case of need, with the Washington 
Government by telegraph. 

In regard to sending my dispatches from Washington in a bag made up there to be 
transmitted directly to me here, its practical operation at the present time would be 
to deprive me of all communication from my government. My weekly dispatches 
from Mr. Fish for the last four weeks are now on their way from Washington to Paris. 
If I am deprived of a bag from London, those dispatches, therefore, could not reach me 
under the seal of my government, which is the only way that I would feel authorized to 
receive them. Independent of that, it will take between three and four weeks for me 
to get a letter to Washington, requesting that the bag may be made up there directly 
for Paris. In the mean time, dispatches to me would be coming weekly to London, 
with the expectation that I should receive them in the usual manner. And further, 
after my letter should have finally reached Washington, requesting that the bag should 
be made up there for Paris, it would take the contents of such bag three or four weeks 
more to reach me. 

Hence, your excellency will perceive that if I should receive no bag from London I 
should be deprived of hearing from Mr. Fish for a period of some three months. 

With a knowledge, therefore, of the views of my government on this subject, and its 
opinion that it has a right to ])romptly communicate with me as its representative near 
the government of France, it is impossible for me to acquiesce in the arrangement 
which yon have done me the honor to recommend. I have concluded, therefore, to 
send you by the parlementaire, which I hope to obtain for Tuesday next, my dispatch- 
bag addressed in the usual way to the United States dispatch-agent in London. If you 
should feel constrained to decline sending it forward without an unreasonable delay, 
I will thank you to return it to me here by the first parlementaire. And also, if you 
should feel constrained to retain my bag sent to you from London to Versailles beyond 
a reasonable time, I will thank you to return it to London. 

Out of respect, due alike to myself, as well as to the government which I have the 
honor to rei>resent, I should feel compelled to decline receiving or transmitting any 
dispatch-bag or any communication through your military lines upon terms and con- 
ditions which might be construed as implying a distrust of my good faith and of the 



132 FEANCO-GEKMAN WAR. 

loyal manner in which. I have discharged my duty toward both belligerents and to my 
own government, to which I am alone resi>on8ibIe for my official action. 

Before closing this communication, I trust your excellency will pardon me a further 
observation. For the period of six months I have been charged with the delicate^, 
laborious, and responsible duty of protecting your countrymen in Paris. Of the manner 
in which those duties, having relations to both belligerents, have been performed, I do 
not i)ropose to speak; I am content to abide by the record made up in the State De- 
partment at Washington. But I can state that there has never been a time when 
these duties have involved graver consequences and resiionsibilities than at the present 
moment. As I have expressed to you before, I have been astonished at the number of 
(jlermans who, as it turns out, were left in the city when the gates were closed. Having 
exhausted their last resources, and finding themselves in a state of the most absolute 
destitution, they have applied to me for protection and aid, which I have so far been 
enabled to extend to them from the funds placed in my hands by the royal government. 
The number of these people amounts to-day to two thousand three hundred and eighty- 
five (2,385), and it is certain, had there not been some one here to protect and aid them, 
many must have inevitably perished of cold and starvation. My position in relation 
to these people and to your government is known to tbe people of Paris, and as the 
siege wears on and the exasperation is intensified, I now find myself exposed to the 
hostility of a certain portion of the poi)ulation of the city. While your military au- 
thorities seem to be agitated by the gravest fears in relation to my dispatch-bag, I am 
daily violently assailed by a portion of the Paris'press as a " Prussian representative," 
and a '^ Prnssiau sympathizer," and a short time since it was proposed in one of the 
clubs that I should be hung — rather a pleasant diversion in these dreary days of siege 
through which we are passing. 

I will only add that, so long as I am the diplomatic representative of my country in 
Paris, I shall discharge every duty, even to the end, and in the face of every circum- 
stance, that I owe to my own government, and every duty that I have, by its direction, 
assumed toward the subjects of the North German Confederation. 
I have, &c., 



His Excellency Count i)e Bismarck, ifc. 



E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 152. 

Mr. Washburne to 2Ir. Fish. 

No. 351. J Legation of United States, 

Paris, January 25, 1871. (Received February 17.) 

Sir : The ])ast week has been one of great interest. The government 
issued its order for the rationing of bread on the 18th instant, which is 
an evidence of the " beginning of the end." The amount issued is 
three-fifths of a pound to all, except children under five years of age, 
who receive one-half of that quantity". This allowance is small, and the 
quality of the bread issued is very poor indeed. It has only about 
thirty-one-hundred ths of flour. The balance is made up of oatmeal and 
rice, and some say pease and beans form part of this admixture. It is a 
sad sight to see the long queues at all the bake-shops. One sees posted 
at all the caf6s the notice to their customers that they must bring their 
bread with them. The mairies are rationing very small quantities of 
horse-meat, a little rice, beans, pease, and occasionally herring and cod- 
fish. The quantity of coffee, sugar, and wine is sufficient for the siege, 
and can be had at enhanced prices. 

The third grand sortie was made on Thursday morning last beyond 
Mont Valerieu, and in the direction of Versailles. The movement was 
under the direction of General Trochu himself, his third army corps 
being commanded respectively by Vinoy, Ducrot, and Bellemere. The 
French appear to have had some success in the morning, and to have 
captured some of the advanced positions of the enemy, but after a 
bloody fight, continuing nearly all day, they were finally driven from 
the positions they had captured under the protection of the guns of 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAK'. 133 

Mout Viilei'ien. There has beea no official statement of the French 
killed and wounded, and the number of men placed hor.s tlu comhaf. 

The number of killed and wounded is variously estimated at from four 
to eis'ht thousand. I, of course, have no means of judging as to the 
correctness of any of these estimates. 

The attack was not renewed on Friday morning, but on the other 
hand the troops began coming into the city. The national guard par- 
ticipated largely in this sortie, and it is said that they fought very cred- 
itably. The complete failure of the movement, with so great a loss of 
men, produced a very profound impression in the city on Friday. The 
feeling became very much intensified toward evening, when the gov- 
ernment published a pigeon dispatch stating that Ohauzy had been de- 
feated, and had lost two thousand prisoners and twelve guns. The 
agitation in the evening became intense, particularly in the revolution- 
ary parts of the city, and the clubs were crowded with an exasperated 
and excited population. 

On Saturday the excitement was still greater, and the most violent 
and revolutionary movements were set on foot in Belleville, La Villette, 
and Montmartre. Measures having been concocted, on Saturday night 
the prison of Mazas was attacked and many of the insurrectionists of 
the 31st October, who were there imprisoned, were set at liberty, and 
among them Flonrens, who was the leader of the emeute of that date. 
It would seem extraordinary that in a city where there are five hundred 
thousand soldiers a prison like that of Mazas should have been left to 
be captured by an insignificant body of men. It is said, however, that 
the prison was not actually /orced, but was opened by the treachery of 
the director. 

On Sunday (yesterday) the Journal Officiel announced that the com- 
niandant-inchief of the army of Paris would henceforth be separated 
from the presidency of the government ; that General Vinoy was made 
commander-in-chief of the army of Paris ; that the title and functions of 
the government of Paris were suppressed ; that General Trochu would 
be continued as the president of the government. This was considered 
a half-way measure, and did not seem to give general satisfaction. It 
was claimed that Trochu had completely lost the public confidence, and 
that he ought no longer to occupy any position whatever in the gov- 
ernment. 

During all the day of Saturday, and on Saturday night, arrangements 
were being made by certain turbulent spirits, and by some battalions 
of the national guard from Belleville, in addition to attacking Mazas, to 
make an attack on the government. 

Hence, after they had delivered the prisoners from Mazas they at- 
tempted to seize the mairie of the twentieth arrondissement (which in- 
cludes Belleville), and to install themselves there as the headquarters 
of the insurrection. They remained there long enough to steal all the 
bread which had been laid aside for the poor. Notices of the invasion 
of the 7nairies having been conveyed to the military commander in that 
section of the city, he proceeded hither with a few companies of the 
national guard, and very soon summarily expelled the insurgents. 

About one o'clock in the afternoon of yesterday crowds of people, includ- 
ing men, women, and children, particularly from Belleville, began flow- 
ing toward the HoLel de Ville, crying ^^ thnnez-notts du pain,''^ ^'Wous 
mourrons defaim,'^ " Vive la Commune !^^ "A has Trochu !^^ After remain- 
ingin the greatsquare in front of the Hotel de Ville for an hour or two the 
crowd began slowly to disperse. About three o'clock, however, a troop 
of about five hundred menarrivedin front of the hotel. They marched in 



134 FEANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

■order with shouldered arms, and witli drums beating the charge. They 
massed on the sidewalk in front of the hotel, crying "J. has Trochu!" 
'^'Vive la Commune!^'' After some parleying, shots were fired from the 
ranks of the mob, and an officer of the gardemobile received three balls 
and fell seriously wounded upon the sidewalk. Then an indiscriminate 
firing took place between the mobiles guarding the Hotel de Ville and 
the rioters. Some of the insurgents had posted themselves in houses 
opposite the Hotel de Ville and directed a fire against the windows of 
the first story of the building. They also threw out a certain number 
>of bombs and explosive balls. And now the rappel commenced to beat 
in the quarters near to the Hotel de Ville, and soon afterward in other 
localities. The national guards everywhere rallied with great alacrity 
to sustain public order, and in a few minutes the insurgents were put 
ingloriously to flight. The Journal Officiel of this morning says that 
in this "combat'- there have been five persons killed and eighteen 
wounded. There has since been no further trouble. It was quiet all 
last night, and the most perfect tranquillity reigns to day. 

Vinoy is fully installed as the commander of the army of Paris, and 
has issued a soldierly order of the day. His position is one of the most 
difficult that was ever undertaken by a soldier, and of course it is idle 
for me to speculate as to the line of action which he will adopt. 

The government published yesterday morning a dispatch from Olianzy, 
dated the 16th of January, which showed that his army was in a very 
bad position. This news has added still further to the discouragement 
of the people of Paris, but no whisper of surrender is yet heard. In all 
of these terrible circumstances no man talks either of surrender or of 
peace. The bombardment has so far utterly failed of accomplishing 
what was its apparent object. This is the nineteenth day, and its effects 
now are not as great as they have been. The number of killed and 
wounded cannot exceed three hundred, and the material damage is not 
very great. ISo fort has either been or is likely to be taken; and I hold 
to my opinion that the city will only be taken by famine. It may, how- 
ever, fall suddenly, and the siege, now extended over four long months, 
be ended before this dispatch shall reach you. The government seems 
to have suddenly waked up to an unusual degree of energy. The Jour- 
nal Officiel of this morning publishes one decree suppressing all the 
clubs; another decree to facilitate the rapid administration of military 
iustice, and yet another suppressing the red republican journals, Le 
Eeveil and Le Combat. 

. The number of deaths in the city per week is still increasing. Last 
week the number reached four thousand four hundred and sixty-five 
(4,465), not counting the deaths in the hospitals, wdiich are estimated 
for the last week at one thousand. 

The weather has moderated very much, and the suffering by cold has 
been greatly alleviated. 

I have, &c., B. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 153. 

Mr. Fish to Mr. Wasliburne. 

No. 228.] Department of State, 

Washington., January 24, 1871. 
Sir : I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch No. 341, of 
the 26th ultimo, inclosing a translation of a letter from Mr. Jules Favre. 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 135 

from which it appears that the tax on the apartments of citizens of the 
United States, who left Paris, which it was proposed to levy, will not 
be enforced. 

The department approves the course which you have pursued con- 
cerning this question, and I congratulate you upon your success in 
obtaining the repeal of so unjust a regulation or decree. 

I am, &c., HAMIl.TON FISH. 



No. 154. 

Mr. Washburne to Count Bismarclc. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, January 26, 1871. 

Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this morning of two 
letters from your excellency: one of the IGth instant, addressed to me 
by Mr. de Ttiele, in reference to the case of Dr. Fontaine; the other of 
the 23d instant, addressed to me by your excellency, in reference to the 
same case, and also relating to hostages taken by the North German 
authorities, with a view to secure the better treatment and release of 
certain captives of North German merchantmen. Copies of both these 
letters have been transmitted to Mr. Jules Favre. 

I take this opportunity to renew to your excellency the assurance of 
my most distinguished consideration, 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 

His Excellency Count de Bismarck, 

Chancellor of the North German Confederation. 



No. 155. 

Count Bismarck to Mr. Washburne. 

Versailles, January 27, 1871. 
Sir : I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated the 21st 
of this month, inclosing a parcel addressed to you from Brussels, and 
containing a number of letters to private persons in Paris. I had not 
ordered that parcel to be opened, supposing that it came from Mrs. Wash- 
burne. After examination of its contents, I beg to inclose it once 
more, and leave it entirely to your discretion and convenience whether 
to send the letters out or not. I have to say the same with respect to 
the advertisements directly or indirectly addressed to you in the Times 
newspaper. 
I have the honor to be your excellency's humble, obedient servant, 

V. BISMARCK. 
His Excellency E. B. Washburne, 

Minister of the United States of America at Paris. 



No. 156. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 353.] Legation oe the United States, 

Paris, January 30, 1871. (Received February 18.) 
Sir: I have the honor to inclose you herewith a copy of a letter I 



136 FRANCO-GEKMAN WAE. 

have received from Count de Bismarck, ia reply to my letter to him on 
the subject of the dispatch-bag. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure.] 

Count BismarcJc to Mr. Waslihurne. 

Versailles, January 28, 1871. 
Sir: I had the hoaor of receiving your answer, dated the 19th instant, to my two- 
letters of 15th, relating to your correspondence with the United States legation in 
London. I should very much regret if you should have construed anything in these 
two letters so as to convey the indication of any complaint against you. Nothing, 
indeed, could be further from my thought, and I take pleasure in renewing the ex- 
pression how deeply sensible I am of all the trouble you have in carrying on your 
correspondence with the authorities in Paris, and in taking- care of our countrymen 
there. But the balloon letters having been brought officially under my notice by the 
military authorities, I thought it my duty to inform you of the reference made in 
those letters to your legation, and to that in London. The delay occurred now and 
then in the transmission of your dispatch-bags is not occasioned by any doubt as to 
the right of your government to correspond with you, but by obstacles it was out of 
my power to remove. I hope that for the future there will not be any more delay of 
that kind. 

I avail myself. Sec &c., 

V. BISMARCK. 



^^0. 157. 

Mr. Waslihurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 355.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris ^ January 30, 1871. (Received February 18.) 
Sir : The crisis has at last been reached. In my dispatch of a, week 
ago, No. 351, I spoke of the discouraging state of things in Paris, but 
of the still resolute determination of the people not to surrender. I 
added, however, that the city might fall suddenly, and the siege be 
ended before ray dispatch should reach you. The disturbances of Sun- 
day, the 22d instant, and the additional news which the government 
received on Monday, of the substantial defeat of all the outside armies, 
taken in connection with the utter impossibility to feed Paris but a few 
days longer, all taken together imperatively demanded immediate ac- 
tion on the part of the French authorities. Paris had held out beyond 
every reasonable calculation, and the population had suffered all the 
horrors of famine, cold, and bombardment. From the 27th of this 
month only seven days of provisions remained, limiting to each one only 
the small possible amount necessary to sustain human life. On Mon- 
day evening, a week ago, negotiations were commenced at Versailles 
between Mr. Jules Favre and the Count de Bismarck. Of course the 
greatest anxiety has existed in Paris as to what would be the result of 
those negotiations. The general idea has been that Paris, resisting to 
the end, would have to capitulate unconditionally. Such a thing as 
a general armistice was not contemplated, and while Paris should fall 
into the hands of the Prussians, it was supposed that the government 
of the National Defense would still hold its existence in the provinces 
and continue the war a outrance. I was myself inclined to take the same 
opinion, and in view of the probable fact that in case of a surrender 



FKANCO-GEKMAN WAR. 137 

there would be uo shadow of a government of France at Paris, I wrote 
to you in my No. 338, asking for instructions as to the course I should 
pursue in such an emergency. I thought that it would be necessary in 
such case to leave Paris and repair to the seat of the French Govern- 
ment. Instead of the absolute surrender of the city and the military 
possession of it by the Prussians, we have the armistice, a copj^ of which, 
from the ofiBcial journal, I have the honor to send you herewith. T do 
not see anything in the present situation which will necessitate my leav- 
ing Paris to repair to Bordeaux, for the seat of government will remain 
here until such a time at least as the armistice shall expire and peace 
fail to be made. 

I also send you the decree of the government of the national defense 
convoking the national assembly at Bordeaux on the 12th proximo, and 
also fixing the number of delegates to the assembly. You will see that 
the number of delegates to the assembly is seven hundred and fifty- 
three, which I think is quite too large, particularly when it is considered 
that the assembly would have but one week in which to conclude the 
important work for which it has been convoked. We are now entering 
on a new and interesting phase of the events which have been convuls- 
ing, not only the belligerent powers, but the whole civilized world, for 
the last six months. It is to be seen whether a peace can be made on 
terms which will be acceptable by the French nation, or whether the war 
is to be indefinitely continued. You will be likely to receive full infor- 
mation by telegraph of the action growing out of this armistice and of 
the national assembly before this dispatch shall reach you, and I will 
not, therefore, indulge in any speculations as to the probable shape 
which things will take. 



I have, &c., 



E. B. WASHBUKNE. 



No. 158. 
Mr. Washbnrne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 356.] LEaATION OF THE UNITED STATES, 

Paris, January 30, 1871. (Received February 18.) 

Sir : I have the honor to send you herewith a copy of the reply of 
Count de Bismarck to the diplomatic corps in relation to the bombard- 
ment of Paris, without previous notice, together with a copy of the re- 
joinder of Mr. Kern. 



I have, &c. 



E. B. WASI3BUENE. 



llnclosure 1.— Translation.] 

Count de Bismarck-Sclioenliausen, chancellor of ilie North German Confederation, at Versailles^ 
to Mr. Kern, minister of the Swiss Confederation at Paris. 

Versailles, January 17, 1871. 

Sir : I have had the houor to receive the letter of the 13th of this month, signed by 
you and by the minister of the United States, as well as by several diplomatic agents 
formerly accredited to Paris, in Avhich, invoking the principles of the law of nations, 
you request me to use my influence with the military authorities in order that such 
measures may be taken as will enable the fellow-countrymen of the signers of the letter 
to protect themselves and their property during the siege of Paris. 

I regret that it is impossible for me to admit that the reclamations which the signers- 



138 FEANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

■of tlie letter have done me the honor to address to me, fiod in the principles of iuterca- 
tional law the authority necessary to justify them. It is undeniable that the determi- 
nation, standing alone in modern history, to transform the capital of a great country 
into a fortress, and to make a vast fortified camp of its environs, including nearly three 
millions of inhabitants, has created for those inhabitants a distressing state of things 
which is much to be regretted. The responsibility falls exclusively upon those who 
have chosen to make of this capital a fortress and' a battle-field. Under all circum- 
stances, those persons who have chosen their residence in a fortress, and continued of 
their own accord to reside there during the war, should have been prepared for the 
inconveniences which have ensued. 

Paris being the most important fortress in France, in which the enemy has concen- 
trated his principal forces, which, from their fortified positions in the midst of the 
population, constantly attack the German armies by their sorties and by the fire of 
their artillery, no good reason can be alleged why the German generals should give up 
the attack upon this fortified position, or conduct their military operations in a manner 
which would be in contradiction with the object they have in view. 

I take the liberty to recall to you, in this place, that on our side nothing has been 
. neglected to preserve the peaceful proportion of the population belonging to neutral 
countries from the inconveniences and the dangers inseparable from a siege. On the 
26th of September last, the secretary of state, Mr. de Thile, addressed a circular upon 
this subject to the ministers accredited to Berlin, and I stated for my part, in a letter 
bearing date October 10th last, addressed to his excellency the Papal nuncio, and 
■other diplomatic agents still residing at Paris, that the inhabitants would henceforth 
have to bear the effects of military operations. A second circular, dated October 4th 
last, attempted to show the consequences which must result to the civil population of 
Paris from a resistance prolonged to extremities. On the 29th of the same month the 
contents of this circular were communicated by me to the minister of the United States 
of America, whom I begged at the same time to communicate it to the members of the 
diplomatic corps. It results, from what precedes, that warnings and recommendations 
to leave the besieged city have not been wanting to the subjects of the neutral powers, 
although these warnings, inspired by a sentiment of humanity and by the consideration 
■which we desire to show toward citizens belonging to friendly nations, are as little pre 
scribed by the principles of international law as the permissions which were granted 
to pass our lines. 

The recognized usages and isrinciples of the law of nations require still less that the 
besieger should notify the besieged of the military operations which he thinks it 
necessary to undertake in the course of the siege, as I have already had the honor to 
state as regards the bombardment, in a letter addressed to Mr. Jules Favre on the 26th 
of September last. 

It was evident that the bombardment of Paris must take i)lace if resistance was j)ro- 
longed, and it was therefore to be looked for. 

Although an example of a fortified city of such importance, and inclosing within its 
walls armies ajid material of war so numerous and abundant, was unknown to Vattel, 
he says upon this subject : 

" To destroy a city by shells and hot shot is an extremity which must not be resorted 
to without very strong reasons. But it is authorized, however, by the laws of war, 
when it is impossible to reduce otherwise an important place, upon which may depend 
the success of the war, or which may serve to inflict dangerous blows." 

In the present case, it would be the more unjustifiable to raise an objection against 
the siege of Paris, inasmuch as onr intention is not at all to destroy the city, (which 
would, however, be permissible, according to the principle laid down by Vattel), but 
to render untenable the central and fortified position where the French army prepares 
its attacks upon the German troops, and which serves them for a place of refuge after 
such attacks. I take the liberty finally to remind you, sir, as well as the other signers 
of the letter of the 13th instant, that after the warnings had been given, which I have 
recalled to your recollections, it was nevertheless permitted during whole months to 
those neutrals who made the request, to pass onr lines without other restriction than 
their identity and their nationality should be certified, and that to this day our avant- 
jiostes place at the disposition of the members of the corps diplomatic, and of those 
persons whose presence is required by their governments or by their diplomatic agents, 
the safe-conduct necessary for them to pursue their journey. Many of the signers of 
the letter of January 13bh instant were notified soma months since that they could, 
pass our Hues, and they have for a long time had the authorization of their respective 
governments to leave Paris. Hundreds of subjects of the neutral powers, whose repre- 
sentatives have addressed to us the same requests in their favor, are in a similar posi- 
tion. We have no authentic knowledge of the reasons which have prevented them 
from availing themselves of a permission which they have had for a long time; but if 
private communications are to be believed, it is the French authorities who have op- 
posed their departure, and even that of the diplomatic representatives. If this infor- 
mation is correct, we can only recommend to those who are compelled against their 



FRANCO-OEKMAN WAR. 189 

will to remain in Paris to adilress their comi»laints and their protestations to the rep- 
resentatives of the existing powei-. Under all circnuisfcances, I feel authorized, after 
"what I have stated, not to admit, as far as the U^rmiu authorities are concerned, the 
assertion contained in the letter of January 13th instant, tliat the countrvmen of the 
signers have been prevented from withdrawing themselves from danger by the " diffi- 
culties opposed to their departure by the belligerents." 

We will even maintain, at this day, the permission accorded to the members of the 
<liplomatic corps to pass our lines, considering this to be a duty of international 
courtesy, however difficult and injurious it may be to our military operations in the 
present state of the siege. As regards their numerous countrymen, I regret that I can- 
not, at the present day, see any mode, otLier than the surrender of Paris, for them to 
withdraw themselves from the dangers inseparable from the siege of a fortress. 

If it werti admissible in a military point of view to organize the departure from Paris 
•of a portion of the population, which may readily be estimated at -'.0,000 men, with 
their families and their ])roperty, we should not have tiie supplies to feed them, or be 
able to provide for their transportation the means which would be necessary to enable 
them tocro's the zonewhicii the French authorities caused to be abandoned and stripped 
of all its resources before the investment of the city. We find ourselves in the sad con- 
dition of entire inability to subordinate military operations to the sympathies with 
which the sufferings of the civil population of Paris inspire us. Our line of conduct is 
rigorously prescribed by the necessities of war, and by the duty of guarding our troops 
against new attacks by the enemy's army. After our conscientious observance of the 
convention of Geneva, which we have given proof of under the most difficult circum- 
stances, it would be superfluous to give the assurance that the German artillery does not 
direct its fire intentionally upon buildings occupied by women, children, and sick per- 
sons. In consequence of the very nature of the fortifications of Paris, and of the dis- 
' tance at which our batteries are still placed, it is as difficult for us to prevent damage 
by accident to buildings which we would desire to spare as to prevent wounds from 
being inflicted upon the civil population, which are to be deplored in every siege. If 
these painful accidents, which we sincerely regret, occur in Paris on a larger scale than 
in other besieged fortresses, we must conclude that either it should not have been con- 
verted into a fortress, or that it should not have prolonged its defense beyond a certain 
period. In no case can it be ijen-nitted to any jieople, after having declared war against 
its neighbors, to preserve its principal fortress from surrender by invoking the kind 
consideration of the enemy for the inoffensive population, for the foreigners who dwell 
in the fortress, or for the hospitals which may be there, in the midst of which its troops 
seek shelter, and where, after each of their attacks, they are enabled to prei>are others 
under the shelter of these hospitals. 

I beg you, sir, to have the kindness to bring my reply to the know^ledge of the sign- 
ers of the letter of January 13th instant, and to receive the renewed assurance of my 
high consideration. 

V. BISMARCK. 



[Inclosure.] 

The minister of the Swiss Confederation at Paris to Count de Bismarck-Schoenhausen, dian- 
cdlor of the North German Confederation, at Versailles. 

Paris, January 23, 1871. 

Sir: I had the honor to receive the reply addressed by your excellency, the 17th 
instant, to the note signed on the 13th of the same month by the members of the diplo- 
matic corps at Paris, as well as by a certain number of members of the consular corps, 
in the absence of their respective embassies and legations. In accordance with the 
wish expressed by your excellency, I immediately communicated this reply to the 
signers of the note of January 13. t have been charged by their unanimous resolution 
to call your excellency's attention to certain errors contained in your reply. 

Your excellency informs the signers that by a circular, bearing date October 4, you 
endeavored to show the consequences which must ensue to the civil population of Paris 
from a resistance prolonged to its extreme limit, and you add, " On the 29bh of the same 
month this circular was communicated by me to the minister of the United States of 
America, whom I begged at the same time to communicate it to the members of the 
diplomatic corps." After having made the necessary examination, Mr. Washburne 
declares that no communication expressing a wish of the kind has been received by 
hin^ and that this statement is erroneous. In another passage of your reply, your 
excellency expresses yourself as follows : " I believe myself authorized, in accordance 
■with what I have just stated, not to admit (as far as the German authorities are con- 
cerned) the assertion contained in the letter of January 13, that the countrymen of the 
signers were prevented from withdrawing themselves from danger by the difficulties 
opposed to their departure by the belligerents." 



140 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

"While acknowledging the readiness with which your excellency placed at the begin- 
ning of the siege " sauf conduits " at the disposal of persons belonging to neutral states, 
and not denying the fact that the French military authorities thought proper to 
revoke at the commencement of November permission before granted, it nevertheless 
results from the declaration of several members of the diplomatic and consular corps, 
that in the course of the same month your excellency informed them that the German 
military authorities had " resolved to grant to no one permission to cross the lines of the 
besieging troops." The signers of the note were therefore correct in declaring that 
" difficulties had been put in the way of the departure of the belligerents." 

Your excellency adds that, in accordance with private communications which you 
have received, the French authorities opposed the departure of the diplomatic repre- 
sentatives of neutral states. This fact not having been brought within the knowledge 
of any one of the chiefs of the diplomatic corps present at Paris, it may be assumed 
that these private communications were founded upon erroneous information. On 
submitting to a fresh examination the correspondence upon this subject, you will 
easily convince yourself, sir, of the accuracy of the corrections which I have had the 
honor to submit to you. As regards the substance of their request, it appears to the 
signers of the " note " of January 13 that the point of view in which the German mili- 
tary authorities have placed themselves is too widely different from their own, and that 
the refusal is conceived in too positive terms to permit that any further argument upon 
the principles and usages of the law of nations should reach the desired conclusion. 
They cannot, however, omit to observe that your excellency principally endeavors. to 
show, invoking the authority of Vattel, that the laws of war authorize, as a last 
extremity, the bombardment of a fortified city. The intention of the signers of the 
"note" of January 13 was not to contest this extreme right. They confine themselves 
to affirming, and they believe that they can maintain, in accord with the best authori- 
ties on modern international law, and with the precedents of the different periods, the 
rule that the bombardment of a fortified city should be preceded by notice. 

There remains, therefore, only to the diplomatic and consular representatives of the 
neutral states, in consequence of the duties which are imposed upon them by the 
gravity of the situation, and of the importance of the interests at stake— the duty to 
communicate to their respective governments the correspondence exchanged with 
your excellency, while always insisting upon the substantial foundation of their re- 
quest. 

It may be permitted me, in conclusion, to express in the name of the signers of the 
" note" of January 13, as well as in my own, my lively and sincere regret that the 
German military authorities could not resolve to reconcile the necessities of war with 
the wish to diminish the sufferings of the civil population of every nationality residing 
in Paris. 

I take this occasion to beg you to receive, sir, &c. 

The minister of the Swiss Confederation, 

KERN. 



No. 159. 

Mr. WasJihurne io Mr. Fish. 

^o. 358.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, February 4, 1871. (Received February 23.) 
Sir: 111 transmitting my correspondence with Count Bismarck, in 
relation to the dispatch-bag, to you, one letter from me to him was 
omitted, and I have the honor to inclose you herewith a copy thereof, 
to be placed with the correspondence. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBCRNE. 



[Ii closure.] 

Mr. Washburne io Count Bis nurcJc. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, January 2, 1871. 
Sir : I beg leave to thank you for sending my dispatch-bag at an earlier period than 
heretofore. I am enabled thus to answer the dispatches of my government to go out 



franco-(;ekman war. 141 

by tho courier to-morrow raornin<5. I should be very glad if they could arrive in Lou- 
dou by Friday, so as to go bj'^ the Satuday steamer. I duly received the London 
journals, and it is unnecessary to say that their contents have been most strictly 
guarded. I think there must have been some misapprehension in London in regard to 
my private letters. Mr. Moran, our charg6 d'att'aires, writes me that|he was not per- 
mitted to send me any letters, except from my wife, who is now at Brussels. The 
consequence is that private letters to me from the United Scates minister at Brussels, 
from my son, who is in college in the United States, another son, who is at school iu 
London, as well as a great many letters from my personal and political friends at 
home, have been detained, and are now at Loudon. As the greater includes the less, I 
suppose that, after you had kindly conceded to me the journals containing military 
and political information, there would be no objection to my receiving my private 
correspondence, having probably no reference to such matters, but if containing any 
information, it would be equally guarded with information I obtain from the journals. 
If such should be your understanding, I would be very glad if you would so telegraph 
to London, so my letters can come to me by the bag which leaves London next Friday. 
I should hope by the following Wednesday to receive them. 
I have the honor, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 160. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 
[Extracts.] 

No. 362.] Legation of the United States, 

Faris, February 5, 1871. (Received February 23.) 

Sir : Daring the past week the people of Paris have been patiently 
and quietly awaiting the ravitaillement, and agitating the question of 
the election of members to the national assembly which is to convene 
at Bordeaux on the 12th instant. Small quantities of provisions have 
commenced coming in to-day. 

The first train contained supplies sent by the population of London 
to the population of Paris. These supplies have been distributed among 
the twenty arrondissementsin i)roportion to their respective population, 
and are to be given out only to the most necessitous. It will be but a 
short time I hope before all can be reasonably supplied. The lower 
classes in the city have during the last months of the siege suffered un- 
told miseries of cold and hunger, and with a patience and fortitude 
which does them great credit. Indeed the suffering of ail classes has 
been very great, and it might be said that all classes have sustained 
the sufferings and privations of the siege in a manner that must excite 
the wonder and admiration of the world. ***** 

Now that the siege is over I am thankful that I have remained through 
it all, for I believe that I have been of some service to the interests with 
which I have been charged. It is with pleasure that I am enabled to 
state that I have succeeded in protecting all American property in 
Paris, and that no harm has come to any of our Americans who have 
remained here. This statement must be qualiQed, however, so as not 
to apply to the young American, Mr. Swager, who lost his life by having 
his foot torn to pieces by a Prussian shell, and to the two young men 
whose property was destroyed by the bursting of a shell in their apart- 
ment in the Latin quarter. 

Several attempts were made to interfere with American property at 
different times, but 1 mast give the government of the National Defense 
the credit to say that they have treated all such matters as I have 
deemed it necessary to bring to their attention with the utmost fairness 
and consideration. In the first place it was proposed to quarter the 
garde mobile iu the American apartments, but upon an application 



142 FEANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

to Gambetta, tbeu minister of the interior, be gave an order that it 
should not be done. Afterward the city authorities proposed a special 
tax upon the apartments of the absent, which bore very heavily upon 
our countrymen. I had a correspondence with M. Jules Favre upon 
that subject, Avhich I had. the honor to transmit you and by which you 
will have seen that the city authorities were overruled and the tax not 
enforced. Then it was proposed to put the refugees from the neighbor- 
ing villages, who had come into Paris, into the apartments of some of the 
Americans. I resisted that, and the intention was not carried out. And 
when the bombardment took place, and the people from that part of the 
city exposed to the shells were driven out, it was proposed to shelter 
them in the vacant apartments in the other parts of the city. Many of 
the apartments of the Americans were threatened in this way, bnt I gave 
orders that in no case would I consent to have the furnished apartments 
of Americans occupied in this manner, and I am happy to say that no 
apartment has thus been occupied. And lastly, after the armistice was 
declared, and all the troops came into the city, another attempt was 
made to quarter soldiers and officers also in the vacant apartments of 
Americans, but I protested against that, and no apartment has yet been 
occupied in that way. I hope, therefore, that when our country people 
return to their homes in Paris they will hud everything in as good con- 
dition as when they lelt. 

Yery little damage has been done to the property of the people of 
other nationalities with whose protection I have been charged. At an 
early period the home of a German, Mr. Hedler, was invaded by the 
garde mobile in search of Prussian spies, and some damage was done 
to the furniture. Upon my representation of the matter to the govern- 
ment. Count de Keratry, who was then the prefect of police, took the 
affair promptly in hand, brought the offending parties to punishment, 
and permitted agents selected by me to assess the damages, which were 
promptly paid. Immediately after the breaking out of the war I took 
under my protection the magnificent hotel of the Prussian embassy in 
the Eue de Lille. All the persons who had charge of it, even down to 
the concierge, had been expelled from France, and as it seemed to be 
the objective point of the hostility of the Parisian population, I had 
great fears of its safety. I at once placed it under the charge of an 
American friend in Paris, who has exercised a most vigilant guardian- 
ship over it, and protected it from all harm. While there has been a 
good deal of hostility against me among a certain number of the popu- 
lation of Paris during the siege, and while I have been assailed in the 
clubs and in the newspapers on account of my protection of the Ger- 
mans, I have no cause whatever for complaint against the government 
of the National Defense, but have been treated by them with the great- 
est kindness and with all the consideration due to me as the diplomatic 
representative of our country. 

I have, «&c., E. B. WASHBURIS^E. 



No. 161. 

Mr. Washhurne to 3Ir. Fish. 

No. £65.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, February 8, 187 J. 
Sir: I received yesterday a telegraphic dispatch from Mr. Moran, 
through the interaiediary of Cjunt de Bismarck, stating that £2.000 



FliANCO-GKRMAN WAR. 115 

Lad been placed to my credit with the bankin<;-house of J. S. Morgan 
& Co., London, as a tirst installment of a subscription in New York City 
for the "poor of France." I immediately called on Mr. Jules Favre to 
consult him as to the best manner of distributing this fund, and he 
suggested that the portion of it to go to Paris and the surrounding 
villages should be placed in the hands of Mr. Ernest Picard, the min- 
ister of finance, who would associate with him a commission, to include 
oue American, who would attend to its distribution. I have named Mr. 
Joseph Karrick Eiggs, long a resident of Paris, and a gentleman of 
honor, responsibility, and intelligence. I have this day sent to Mr. 
Favre 35,000 francs, to go into the hands of Mr. Picard. I have sent 
12,500 francs to Stephen S. Lee, esq., a responsible American gentle- 
man residing at Tours, to be distributed among the poor in the valley 
of the Loire. No man can make a more just and satisfactory distribu- 
tion than Mr. Lee. 1 have retained 2,500 francs in my own hands for 
future disposition. This amount sent me is represented as the " tirst 
installment." By the time another installment arrives I hope to be 
fully advised as to the distribution it wall be best to make of it. The 
sufferings of the poor in all parts of France where the hostile armies 
have been, are so terrible that it is very hard to discriminate as to the 
localities where aid shall be sent. 

I have no knowledge of the benevolent parties who have made this 
generous subscription in the city of New York, and I am, therefore, 
unable to communicate with them as to what I have done thus far. If 
you shall know them, perhaps you will deem it proper to communicate 
to them the contents of this dispatch. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 1G2. 

Ifr. Washhurnc to Mr. Fish. 

No. 366.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, February 18, 1871. (Received March 9.) 
Sir : I returned from Brussels to Paris on Wednesday last, after an 
absence of a few days on a visit to my family, and have since been con- 
fined to my bed by a severe bilious ^^.ttack. Things have progressed in 
a very (juiet and satisfactory manner since the armistice. Provisions 
have come rapidly into the city and there is now no further want. I 
have not been out of my house since my return, but I am told there has 
been the most wonderful change in the appearance of things all over 
the city ; and if, happily, peace should come to France, we shall all soon 
forget the horrors of the last few months. You must receive quite as 
early and quite as full accounts as 1 do of the proceedings at Bordeaux. 
Matters are taking a more favorable shape there than I had supposed 
they would. Thiers is to-day the leading spirit in France, and I antici- 
pate that in due time we shall have a government called a "Republic," 
with Thiers at its head. There are many, however, who insist that the 
Orleans dynasty will come in. The empire has fallen, and the late 
proclamation of Louis NaiDoleon has been badly received. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE, 



144 FEA.NCO-GERMAN WAR. 

No. 163. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 367.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, February 18, 1871. (Received March 9.) 
Sm : I have tlie honor to send you herewith a copy of a translation 
of an official letter from Mr. Jules Favre, acknowledging the receipt of 
thirty-five thousand francs sent to him by me from the fand remitted 
from New York for the poor of France, and also a translation of a copy 
of an unofficial note of the same purport. 
I have, &:c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure 1. — Translation ] 
Mr. Favre to Mr, Washhurne. 

Paris, February 10, 1871. 
Sir: I have received, with the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 8th 
of this month, a check for thirty-five thousand francs, representing the amount of the 
subscription opened at New York in favor of the French poor who have suffered from 
the present calamities. I hasten to thank you for the gift of these funds, and I shall 
he obliged to you if you will inform the citizens of New York who have united in this 
subscription of our profound gratitude for their generous assistance. I have agreed 
with the minister of finances that the distribution of the amount which you have 
sent me shall be made through a commission, of which Mr. J. Karrick Riggs is, accord- 
ing to your wish, to be a member. 
Receive, &c., 

JULES FAVRE. 



[Inclosure 2. — Translation.] 
Mr. Favre to Mr. Wasliburne. 

Sir : I am infinitely touched by the striking mark of sympathy which my country 
receives from your free America, and I beg you to convey the impression of my grati- 
tude to your countrymen of New York who have been kind enough to take the initia- 
tive in this generous offering addressed to France so cruelly tried. I transmit to-day 
to my colleague, M. Picard, minister of the finances, the check for thirty-five thousand 
francs you have had the kindness to send me, begging him to name, for the distribu- 
tion of this amount, a commission, of which Mr. Joseph Karrick Riggs shall be a mem- 
ber — the gentleman whom you have named, Snd who will hasten to take your instruc- 
tions. 

I take this occasion to renew the assurances with which I have the honor to be, 

JULES FAVRE. 



No. 161. 

Mr. Wasliburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 368.J Legation of the United States, 

Paris, February 21, 1871. (Received March 9.) 
Sir: We have reached another stage in the progress of the extraor- 
dinary events which have convulsed France for the last seven months. 
M. Thiers having been named by the National Assembly at Bordeaux 
chief of' the executive power and president of the council of ministers 
of the French Republic, has selected his ministers. The new ministry 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 145 

is annouucecl in the Journal Officiel of this morniug. I advised you of 
tbe fact of the complete organizatiou of this new goverumeut by tele- 
graph this inoruiug, aud asked iustructious. Four of the old ministers 
are in the new ministry. Much to my gratification M. Jules Favre re- 
tains the portfolio of foreign affairs, M. Ernest Picard has been trans- 
ferred from the finance to the interior department, M. Jules Simon re- 
mains in the public instruction, and General Le Flo in the war. The 
minister of finance has not yet been designated ; rumor has it that this 
portfolio will be confided to Buffet, one of the late ministers of finance 
under the empire. He has the reputation of being an honest and capa- 
ble man ; but, when he was minister, he distinguished himself by his 
opposition to any liberal postal treaty with our government. Of the 
other ministers, De Larcy is the minister of public works, Lambrecht is 
the minister of commerce, aud Vice-Admiral Pothuan is minister of the 
marine and the colonies. The antecedents of the last three gentlemen 
named I am not familiar with. All the gentlemen have accepted the 
portfolios which have been confided to them. 

Messrs. Thiers, Favre, aud Picard arrived yesterday from Bordeaux, 
aud to-day Mr. Thiers has gone to Yersailles to open negotiations for a 
peace. The national convention at Bordeaux, after having appointed 
fifteen commissioners to assist in the peace negotiations, took a recess 
until negotiations shall have been concluded. 

I have the honor to send you the communication which Mr. Thiers 
made to the National Assembly at Bordeaux on Sunday last. I am 
sure you will read with profound interest that wonderful production 
of that venerable and patriotic man. He is now the leading figure in 
France. The nation leans upon him with hope and confidence. 

My health has not permitted me to be oat in the city for the last few 
days, but I understand that a most wonderful change has taken place j 
that Paris has become quite herself again. The tone of the press, how- 
ever, shows there is intense anxiety in regard to the peace. The great 
problem must soon be solved, for it is evident, from the expression of 
the German official paper at Versailles, that the whole matter must be 
settled without much further delay. Of all these matters you will be 
fully advised by telegraph before you receive this dispatch. 
I have, &Q., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



No: 165. 

Mr. Fish to Mr. Wasliburne. 

Xo. 239.] Department of State, 

Washington, February 24, 1871. 

Sir : Tour Nos. 350, 353, and 358, severally dated 23d, 30th ultimo, 
and 4th instant, have been received. 

Your letters to Count Bismarck on the subject of the dispatch-bag, 
aud its conveyance to and from Paris, meets the entire approval of the 
department. " It is dignified, forcible, and just. 

It was not unnatural that the powers besieging Paris during their 
long and terrible efforts should have had their susceptibilities aroused 
at times, by the various rumors and statements (originated and put in 
circulatiou possibly for the very purpose of operating upon those sus- 
ceptibilities) of information prejudicial to their military operations being 
<;ouveyed into and from the beleaguered capital. 
S. Ex. 24 10 



146 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

Bufc it would be very much to be regretted, and would have been very- 
unjust, had eveu a momentary suspicion found its lodgment in minds 
capable of achieving the results that have attended the civil and mili- 
tary operations of Germany toward the representative of a friendly state, 
and that representative being the one who, at the request of Germany, 
and with the consent of his own government, had charged himself with 
the arduous and critical duty of the care and protection of the German 
residents shut in with the millions of Frenchmen in the capital which 
Germany was endeavoring to reduce by siege, starvation, and bombard- 
ment. 

The President observes, however, with satisfaction the very just dis- 
claimer of any suspicion of the good faith of our conduct, in the letter 
of the chancellor of the North German Union to you, under date of 28th 
January last. 

The question of the right of uninterrupted correspondence between a 
neutral power and its representative, duly accredited and resident in 
the capital of a belligerent, which, while he is thus resident, becomes 
the object of attack and siege by another belligerent, is now, happily, 
no longer one of immediate practical application. 

It is satisfactory to notice that although Count Bismarck, in his note 
addressed to you on 6th December last, speaks of " obtaining for the* 
legation of the United States the privilege of receiving closed dis- 
patches," in his note of January 28 from Versailles he recognizes the 
principle asserted by me in a note addressed to Baron Gerolt on 21st 
November last (of which a copy was sent to you with my No. 206 of 22d 
November), and admits of no " doubt as to the right of your govern- 
ment to correspond with you." 

The delays and interruptions to that right are, I trust, wholly of the 
past, and may have been, and it is hoped were, the unavoidable acci- 
dents of the then pending military strife. In the absence of any recur- 
rence we are content with the recognition so fully made by Count Bis- 
marck of the right which we claimed. 

I inclose herewith for your archives, and in connection with the cor- 
respondence on this subject, a copy of a dispatch from Mr. Bancroft of 
21st January, with a translation of a letter to him from Count Bismarck 
of 15th January last, replying to my note of 21st November (above 
referred to), addressed to Baron Gerolt, and of my reply to Mr. Ban- 
croft of this date. 
I am, &G., 

HAMILTON FISH. 

Inclosures. 

Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Fish, Nq. 183, January 21, 1871. Mr. Fish to Mr. 
Bancroft, No. 296, February 24, 1871. (See Foreign Eelations, 1871, 
pages 372, 377.) 



No. 166. 

M)\ Waskhurne to BIr. Fish. 

No. 373.1 Legation of the United States, 

Faris, February 28, 1871. (Received March 20.) 
Sir : The treaty of peace between France and the new German Em- 
pire, to be ratified hereafter by the National Assembly at Bordeaux, was 
signed at Versailles on Sunday afternoon last. It has not yet been pub- 



FRANCO- GERM AN WAR. 147 

lislied, but the principal conditions are well untlerstood. The news of 
the signing of the treaty was received in Paris on Sunday evening, and 
it created, as you may well understand, a very profound impression. 
The condition that a portion of Paris is to be occupied by thirty thou- 
sand German troops until the ratification of the treaty has produced an 
intense feeling, but I am in hopes the city will pass through this trying 
ordeal without any scenes of violence. It was generally supposed that 
the greater part of the German army about Paris would make a tri- 
umphant entry into the city, marching through its principal avenues, 
but without quartering in any part of it. The change in the proposed 
programme, by having a smaller number of the troops enter and remain 
here until the peace is ratified at Bordeaux, would seem to indicate that 
this partial occupation of the city was intended as a pressure on the 
National Assembly to hasten its action. The government has made a 
strong" appeal, counseling forbearance and moderation, and the press 
has, with great unanimity, seconded such appeal. Indeed, by a slip 
■which I cut from one of the journals and inclose to you herewith, you 
will see that the publication of all the newspapers of Paris is to be sus- 
pended during the Prussian occupation. Our legation is situated in 
that part of the city which is to be occupied by the German troops, and 
it is in this part that the greatest number of American residents have 
their apartments. There has been a great deal of alarm felt by our 
countrymen lest the German troops might be quartered upon them, but 
I yesterday wrote Count Bismarck on the subject, and called his atten- 
tion to the correspondence between Mr. Bancroft and Mr. von Thile in re- 
gard to the protection of American property in the event of the entry 
of German troops into Paris, to the end that such orders might be given 
by their military authorities as would secure protection to all American 
property in the city. I will say there can be no reasonable doubt of the 
ratification of the treaty by the assembly at Bordeaux. You undoubt- 
edly will have the full text of it by telegraph long before this dispatch 
will reach you, and you will be able to form a judgment upon it, and 
determine in your own mind whether the peace now to be secured will 
be a lasting one. It is impossible to tell what will be the influence of 
time upon the French i)eople, but I think it is safe to say that to-day 
there exists all over France such a feeling of hatred toward the Prus- 
sians as is almost without a parallel in the history of nations. The 
article which I send you herewith from the Siecle, one of the oldest and 
ablest of the French journals, will give you a pretty good idea of the 
prevailing sentiment in France upon this subject. 

The principal negotiators of the treaty on the French side were 
Messrs. Thiers and Favre. A more cruel task was probably never before 
imposed on patriotic men, and it was only during the final hours of the 
armistice that the treaty was signed. I am advised by the most reliable 
authority that the great "hitch" was in regard to the cession of the 
Fortress of Belfort. That was persistently demanded by the Germans 
and equally persistently refused by the French negotiators, and at last 
Mr. Thiers declared absolutely that he would sign no treaty which ceded 
Belfort, though the Germans were willing to agree that they would not 
enter Paris if they could have Belfort. I think the retention of this 
in^portaut fortress by France will do much to reconcile the Parisians to 
the entry of the Germans into their city. Some of the American resi- 
dents of Paris have already returned here, and as soon as peace shall 
have been definitely made, and the railroad trains shall be running 
regularly for passengers and baggage, I shall expect to see them all 
back. There has been considerable alarm expressed as to the future 



148 FRANCO-GEEMAN WAE. 

health of the city, but I believe it is without any reasouable foundation. 
The number of deaths per week is decreasing. Provisions are now plenty 
and cheaper than before the siege. The great want here now is the 
means of locomotion, the greater number of the horses having been, 
killed for food during the siege, but as soon as peace is made that want 
will be supplied. Paris has already become again quite Parisian, and 
during the last few pleasant days the streets have been filled by the 
same light-hearted population, presenting that cheerful aspect which 
so peculiarly belongs to this historic city. But when you go outside the 
walls the destruction and devastation of war can hardly be described. 
The most fearful and complete change is at St. Cloud ; that beautiful 
village, with its magnificent palace, rich in the associations of centuries, 
is literally one mass of ruins. The Bois de Boulogne, stripped of its trees, 
is a sad sight, recalling to mind the fate which befell it under somewhat 
similar circumstances in 1815. The interior of Paris is not much changed. 
A great many large and beautiful trees on many of the avenues have 
been cut down, but the smaller trees are left standing, so the alteration 
is not so great as to be much remarked. 
I have, &(.'., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



]S^o. 167. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 376.] Legation of the United States, 

Faris, March 1, 1871. (Eeceived March 20.) 
SiE : They have come in. At 9 o'clock this a. m. three blue hussars 
entered the Port Maillot, proceeded up the avenue of the Grand Array, 
and walked their horses slowly down the magnificent avenue of the 
Champs Elysees, with carbines cocked and fingers upon the trigger. 
These hussars looked carefully into the side streets and proceeded slowly 
down the avenue. But few people were out at that early hour in the 
morning. Soon after, six more made their appearance by the same route, 
and every few minutes thereafter the number increased. Then came in 
the main body of the advance guard, numbering about one thousand 
men, consisting of cavalry and infantry, Bavarian and Prussian, form- 
ing part of the eleventh corps, under the command of General Kaniichi. 
By this time the crowd on the Champs Elys6es had increased and met the 
advancing Germans with hisses and insult. A portion of the German 
troops then halted and with great deliberation loaded their pieces, whereat 
the crowd, composed of boys and " roughs," incontinently took to their 
heels. According to a previous understanding among the French, all 
the shops and restaurants along the route had been closed, but notwith- 
standing their vigorous asseverations that no consideration whatever 
would induce them to look upon or speak to the "Prussians," I found, 
on going to the Champs Elysees at half past nine o'clock, a large num- 
ber of them attracted thither by a curiosity which they were unable 
to resist. . In walking down the avenue to the point where the main body 
of the force had halted, in front of the Palace of Industry, notwithstand- 
ing the vehement protestations that had been made that no Frenchman 
would look at or speak to a German soldier, I counted a body of twenty- 
five French people, men, women, and children, in the most cordial fra- 
ternization with the German soldiers. Stopping for a moment to listen 
to the agreeable conversation which appeared to be carried on, a German 



FRANCO-GKRMAN WAR. 149 

soldier advanced to salute me, and addressed me by name; he turned 
out to be the clerk at a hotel at Homburgles Bains, where I had lodged 
during my visit to that place in 1867 and 1809. From what I learn this 
evening the great body of the troops were reviewed by the Emperor of 
the new German Empire at Long Champs, before their entry into Paris. 
Instead, therefore, of the great mass of the troops entering at ten o'clock, 
as had been previously announced, it was not until about half past one 
o'clock in the afternoon that the royal guard of Prussia, in four solid 
bodies, surrounded the Arc of Triumph. Then a company of Uhlans, 
with their spears stuck in their saddles, and ornamented by the little 
flags of blue and white, headed the advancing column. They were fol- 
lowed by the Saxons, with their light blue coats, who were succeeded 
by the Bavarian riflemen, with their heavy uniform and martial tread. 
Afterward followed more of the Uhlans, and occasionally a squad of 
the Bismarck cuirassiers, with their white jackets, square hats and 
waving plumes, recalling to mind, perhaps, among the more intelligent 
French observers, the celebrated cuirassiers of Nansousty and La Tour 
Maubourg, in the wars of the First Napoleon. Xow come the artillery, 
with its pieces of six, which must have extorted the admiration of all 
military men by its splendid appearance and wonderful precision of 
movement. IS'ext fell into line the royal guard of Prussia, with their 
shining casques and glittering bayonets, which had been massed around 
the world-renowned Arc of Triumph, erected (and with what bitter sar- 
casm it may now be said!) to the glory of the grand army. I witnessed 
this entry from the balcony of the apartment of Mr. Cowdin, at the head 
of the Champs Elysees. A good many French people were on the side- 
walks, on either side of the avenue. At first the troops were met with 
hisses, cat-calls, and all sorts of insulting cries, but as they poured in 
thicker and faster, and forming by companies, as they swept down the 
avenue to the strains of martial music, the crowd seemed to be awed into 
silence, and no other sound was heard but the tramp of the soldiery 
and the occasional word of command. The only disturbance I saw was 
occasioned by some individual advancing from the sidewalk and giving 
his hand to a German cavalryman, w^hereat the crowd "went for" himj 
but his backing seemed so powerful that the discontents soon dis- 
persed without inflicting any injury. The entry of the main body of 
the troops occupied about two hours, and, after that, they began to dis- 
perse into the various quarters of the city to which they had been aS' 
signed, in search of their lodgings. We were busily engaged at the 
legation almost the entire day endeavoring to secure protection for 
American apartments and property, and which will be made the sub- 
ject of another and further communication. At 5 o'clock I went to see 
Mr. Jules Favre, in relation to the sudden and indiscriminate billeting 
of the German soldiers upon the American residents, and learned from 
him of the probabilities of the ratification of the treaty of peace by the 
assembly at Bordeaux this evening, and of his hopes that everything 
would be settled before to-morrow morning, and that the German troops 
would be withdrawn from the city to-morrow. He seemed to think 
there was no doubt of the ratification of the treaty. He had been in 
hopes that it would have been ratified last night, and thus have pre- 
vented the entry of the Germans into Paris at all. But Mr. Thiers had 
been unfortunately delayed in reaching Bordeaux, which necessitated 
the postponement of action until today. Mr. Favre said he would send 
me notice of the ratification of the treaty the moment he received it, in 
order that I might telegraph you of the result. Starting to return to 
my residence on the other side of the Seine, 1 found the bridge guarded 



150 FRANCO-GEEMAN WAE. 

by French soldiers, who resolutely refused to let me pass. Soon a large 
crowd of "roughs" appeared and attempted to force the guard, and for 
a time it looked as if a sharp little battle was to be improvised. After 
standing around for about an hour, I was enabled, by the courtesy of a 
French officer, to slip through the guard and finally to reach my resi- 
dence. My coachman was so thoroughly penetrated with fear of the 
"Prussians," that he utterly refused to liarness his horse during the 
day, and, as I have been obliged to be upon my feet most of the time 
since morning, you can well imagine my fatigue as I sit down to write 
this dispatch in the evening. 

As I now write it is eleven o'clock at night. The day opened cloudy 
and somber, with a raw and chilly atmosphere. A little after noon the 
sun came out bright and warm, and the close of the day was magnifi- 
cent. Colonel Hoffman and Mr. Harrisse, who have been through the 
city this evening, have come in to report as to the situation. From the 
Boulevard du Temple to the Arc of Triumph not a store or a restaurant 
is open, with the exception of two of the latter on the Champs Elysees, 
which the Germans have ordered to be kept open. There are no excited 
crowds on the boulevards, and, whatis very remarkable and without prece- 
dent in the memory of the "oldest inhabitant," not an omnibus is running 
in the whole city and every omnibus office is closed. ISTeither is there a 
private or a public carriage to be seen, unless a hearse shall be deemed 
and taken as a "public carriage;" unfortunately, too many of vrhich are 
to be seen now every hour of the day. Paris seems literally to have 
died out. There is neither song nor shout in all her streets. The 
whole population is marching about as if under a cloud of oppression. 
The gas is not yet lighted, and the streets present a sinister and somber 
aspect. All the butchers' and bakers' shops in that part of the city 
occupied by the Germans are closed, and if the people had not provided 
themselves for the emergency, there would have been much suffering. 
The Bourse has been closed by the order of the syndics of change. No 
newspaper has appeared to-day, except the Journal Official. No pla- 
cards have been posted upon the walls of Paris, and, up to this moment, 
I can hear of no act of violence of any significance. I have, this even- 
ing, sent you a telegraphic dispatch stating that the entry of the 
German troops has been quiet and peaceful, and that all is calm in 
Paris. I do not know that it will reach you. The headquarters of Gen- 
eral Kamichi, in command of the troops of the occupation, is in the 
splendid hotel of Christina, ex-Queen of Spain. It is but just to say 
that the people of Paris have borne themselves to-day with a degree of 
dignity and forbearance which does them infinite credit. I propose dis- 
patching a special messenger to London to-morrow to take this and 
other dispatches, so that they may go by the steamer which leaves Liv- 
erpool on Saturday next at noon. 

I have, &c.; E. B. WASHBURNF. 



No. 168. 

3Ir, WasJiburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 379.J Legation of the United States, 

Paris, March 2, 1871. (Received March 20.) 
Sir : My messenger to London, who was to have left this morning, 
was unable to get off and only leaves this evening. I have but little to 
add to my dispatch of yesterday. No. 376. At an early hour this morn- 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 151 

ing iTeceived a note from Mr. Jules Favre, advising me of tlie ratifica- 
tion of the treaty at Bordeaux, aud saying- that be should go to Ver- 
sailles this morning and demand from Mr. Bismarck its immediate exe- 
cution. I at once sent you a telegram to that elfect, a copy of which 
you will find in a separate dispatch. I had understood from Mr. Favre 
that one of the provisions of the treaty was that the German troops 
should leave Paris immediately ou the ratification of the treaty by the 
National Assembly. I had supposed, therefore, that such troops would 
have left Paris in the course of this afternoon. Such, however, is not 
the case, for at this hour (G o'clock p. ui.) there seems to be a larger 
number of German troops in the city than there was at any time yester- 
day. Everything, however, is perfectly quiet. The Champs Elysees, 
from the Arc of Triumph to the Place de la Concorde, has today been, 
crowded with German soldiers, and this afternoon I saw great numbers 
of French people on the avenue mingling with them. The shops and 
restaurants in many parts of the city remain closed, but in other parts, 
more remote from the portion occupied by the Germans, everything is 
going on as usual. In driving out through the- Boulevard du Temple 
to the Bastile, and returning by the Eue St. Antoine and the Eue de 
Eivoli, as far as the Hotel de Yiile, I found the stores all open, the 
omnibuses and carriages in the street as usual, and the streets filled 
with people. ISTo one could have supposed that the hated enemy of 
France held military occupation of the city. The day has been remark- 
ably iDleasaut. In all parts of the city where I have been, iu which cir- 
culation has not been interdicted by the military authorities, the streets 
have been crowded with people, but yet there was no unusual excite- 
ment anywhere. 

Lieutenant General Sheridan, accompanied by a member of his staff. 
General Forsyth, arrived here this afternoon from Bordeaux, which 
city he left at 6 o'clock last evening. I understand from him that he 
proposes to remain in the city for some time. 

I have, &c , E. B. WASHBUENE. 



No. 1G9, 

J/r. Waslihurne to Count Bismarcli. 

Legation of the United States, 

Parish March 3, 1871. 
Sir : I am now giving assistance to twenty-nine hundred Germans. 
There are more than a thousand heads of families who have their little 
apartments. After so Inany months of famine, cold, and persecution, 
it is not to be wondered at that they are anxious to leave Paris now 
that peace is made. They are nearly all without any resources what- 
ever. They owe their rent, and they cannot move their household 
effects until such rent is paid. 

I beg leave to call the attention of your excellency to the c6ndition 
of these people, whose terrible sufferings for the last few mouths will, I 
am certain, challenge your earnest sympathies. 
I have the honor to be, «S:;c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 
His Excellency Count de Bismarck, 

tf'c, (JDc, &c. 

Eeceipt dated March 4, 1871, given by Mr. Gerrish, counsel at Nantes, 
for loO francs paid out to German subjects. 



152 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

V 

No. 170. 

Mr. Washhurne to Count Bismarclc. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, March 6, 1871. 
Sir : I am in receipt of a letter from the TJuited States consul at Mar- 
seilles, to the effect that he has already repatriated seven German sail- 
ors, and that he proposes to repatriate nine more, at an expense of about 
55 francs per man. I have answered him that I shall reimburse what he 
has already expended, but that, in view of the great expense and of the 
fact that peace has been made, I have desired him to make no further 
disbursements for the purpose, unless authorized by me. I do not pro- 
pose to authorize such expenditures in future, unless your excellency 
should desire me to do so. 

I take this opportunity, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 
His Excellency Count db Bismarck, 

&e., &c., &c. 



No. 171. 

Mr. Wasliburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 381.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, March 8, 1871. (Received March 21.) 

Sir: They have gone out. Consummatum est. In my No. 379 I 
spok^ of the ratification of the treaty by the National Assembly at Bor- 
deaux, my notification of the fact by Mr. Jules Favre, and the apparent 
delay of the German troops in leaving Paris. 

These troops, that is, the thirty thousand of them, the number stipu- 
lated in the treaty, came in, as I wrote you, on Wednesday, the 1st 
day of this month. The third article of the treaty provided tliat imme- 
diately after the ratification of the treaty by the National Assembly, 
sitting at Bordeaux, the German troops should quit the interior of 
Paris. The ratification of the treaty was had on Wednesday evening, 
and the fact was telegraphed immediately to Mr. Jules Favre. At 6 
o'clock on the next morning he left for Versailles to demand, in con- 
formity to its provisions, the immediate evacuation of the interior of 
Paris. The German headquarters, however, re'fused to receive the tel- 
egraphic intelligence as conclusive evidence of the fact of ratification, 
and insisted upon a regularly certified copy of the proceedings of the 
National Assembly. It was not until eleven o'clock on Thursday morn- 
ing that the special messenger arrived from Bordeaux with a regularly 
certified copy of the proceedings of the assembly ratifying the treaty, 
and at half past twelve Mr. Jules Favre, then armed with the official 
documents, again proceeded to Versailles to claim the exchange of rati- 
fications. But it was not until nine o'clock on that evening (Thursday) 
that the details for the evacuation were regulated by the French and 
German military authorities. It was agreed that the evacuation should 
commence the next (Friday) morning at eight o'clock, and terminate at 
eleven. The German troops commenced moving out at the appointed 
time, marching up the Champs Elysees and passing under the Arch of 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 153 

Triumph, with great cheering. At eleven o'clock precisely the last 
German soldier passed through the gate of the Porte Maillot, and Paris 
breathed free. 13 uring the occupation there was a good deal of excite- 
ment in that portion of the city occupied by the G-erman troops, but 
there was no serious disturbance anywhere. Indeed, everything passed 
ofif much better than could have been anticipated. No sooner were the 
troops fairly on their way out of the city than the closed stores, cafes, 
restaurants, and hotels threw open their doors, the avenue Champs Ely- 
sees was swept and sprinkled, and the magnificent fountains in the Place 
de la Concorde began to play. At three o'clock in the afternoon (the 
day was splendid) all the invested part of the city, which had for two 
daj's been under the guise of a funeral pall, presented a most gay and 
cheerful aspect, and the people looked far happier than. I had seen them 
for many long months. 

I have, &c., E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 173. 

21)'. Ward to Mr. Wasliburne. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, March 9, 1871. 

Sir : According to your instructions, I took the necessary steps to 
have released from the prefecture depot the 71 German subjects who, 
having entered Paris without leave, had been arrested by the national 
guard and taken to the prefecture for protection, some of them being 
bearers of large sums of money, obligations, and so forth. They were 
yesterday afternoon conveyed to the Gate St. Lazare in cellular car- 
riages, and thence by rail to Yersailles, taken care of by the German 
military authorities for the night, and were forwarded to-day by military 
train to Germany. 

The exasperated state of the Paris population rendered great precau- 
tions necessary, and their departure was fortunately effected safely, and 
at a small expense of 108 francs, including relief of 98 francs to the des- 
titute. 

The Germans detained for safety at the Prison de la Sante and Com- 
munaute des iSa^iirs de la Croix are being liberated, a few at a time, so as 
not to draw attention to them. Of these some thirty will probably wish 
to return to their countrj- . Measures have been taken to carry them to 
Laguey, where they will take the German military trains for their homes, 
having received a small amount of pecuniary aid from this legation. 
Allow me to add, sir, that I have throughout received all aid and court- 
esy from the French police, prison and public authorities, in the dis- 
patch of this business. 

I have the honor to be, &3., ALBERT LEE WARD. 

Hon. E, B. Washburne, &g., cDc, tt'c. 



No. 173. 

2Ir. Waslihurne to Count Bismarck. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, March 11, 1871. 
Sir I have the honor to inclose you herewith a report made to me 
hy my private secretary in regard to the release from prison of certain 



154 FEANCO-GERMAN WAR. 

Germans wbo had been in Paris during the siege, and who had been 
arrested by the national guard and taken to the prefecture for pro- 
tection. 

I had the honor to address you a brief note on the 3d instant, calling 
your attention to the large nuruber of Germans to whom I was giving 
assistance and who are anxious to leave Paris. I have not yet had the 
pleasure of receiving a reply to such a note. 

I am again constrained to call your attention to the subject for the 
reason that the position of these poor people is becoming worse and 
worse every day, for since the peace the hostility of the people of Paris 
to the Germans remaining here has greatly increased, and threats are 
freely made that no German shall be permitted under any circumstances 
to remain in Paris. There is danger that acts of violence will be com- 
mitted upon Germans who are now here. Indeed such acts have already 
been committed. Several of their places of business have been broken 
into and the contents destroyed. 

An anti-Prussian league has been formed and is sending around 
anonymous letters to Germans, warning them to leave in twenty-four 
hours or take the consequences of remaining. 

One of the city newspapers, of large circulation, has published a notice 
which has been placed upon the walls, calling upon all persons who 
know of Germans remaining in the city to send in their names, which is 
for the purpose of having them denounced to the public. 

I send you inclosed two copies of the Paris Journal, in which you will 
see many of these denunciations. My advice is that Germans should not 
come to Paris during the present excited state of feeling. 

I have thus far seen no indisposition on the part of the French au- 
thorities to protect, as far as they can, the persons and property of the 
Germans, but under present circumstances I fear that it will be impos- 
sible for them to afford any adequate protection. 
I have the honor to be, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 

His Excellency Count de Bismarck, 

itc, cOc, c&c. 



K"o. 174, 

Mr. Washhiirne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 389.] Legation of the United States-, 

Paris, March 15, 1871. (Received March 31.) 
Sir : In my dispatch numbered 376, 1 had the honor to state that my 
efforts to secure protection for American apartments and property, during 
the occupation of Paris, would be made the subject of a further commu- 
nication. You will recall to mind that, on the 29th of August last, look- 
ing to possibilities, I telegraphed and wrote to you, suggesting whether 
you would not ask the German Government to protect American prop- 
erty in Paris, in the event its army reached here. In your dispatch num- 
bered 158, dated August 30, 1870, you state that " instructions will be 
forwarded by this day's post to Mr. Bancroft, to ask that in the event of 
the occupation of Paris by the German force, American property may 
be respected." In your dispatch numbered 190, and dated October 18, 
1870, you state that Mr. Bancroft was " instructed to ask that proper 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 155 

measures be taken by the government of ISTortli Germany for the x)ro- 
tectiou of American property in Paris, in the event of the occupation of 
that city by the German forces." In reply Mr. Bancroft states, in his 
dispatch No. 143, dated September 29, 1870, that he had addressed to 
the secretary- of foreign affairs a request that measures might be taken 
for the protection of the large amount of American property in Paris, 
upon its occupation by the German troops, and concludes as follows : "I 
append a translation of the reply of Mr. VonThile conveying the de- 
sired assurances." 

Notwithstanding the somewhat non-committal character of Mr. Yon 
Thile's letter to Mr. Bancroft, Mr. Bancroft understood it, as I presume 
yon did, and as I certainly did, that American property in Paris would 
be respected by the German troops in the event of their occupation of 
the city. As soon as it was officially announced that a certain tiumber 
of German soldiers were to enter Paris, and as they were to occupy that 
portion of the city where the greatest number of Americans resided, I 
lost no time in addressing Count de Bismarck on the subject. A copy 
of my letter to him I send you herewith. In view of Mr. Von Thile's 
letter, and of the fact that French soldiers had not been billeted on 
Americans, I felt entirely confident that the German soldiers would not 
be quartered in American apartments. Although I sent my letter to 
Count Bismarck by a special messenger on the day on which it was 
written, I received no answer from him until eight o'clock on the 
evening of the 3d of March, nine hours after the last German soldier 
had left the city. A copy of that answer I inclose herewith for your 
information. On the day of the entry of the Germans into Paris the, 
legation was filled by people who had charge of American apartments, 
and who had come to claim my protection for them, stating that the 
German soldiers had been billeted on them by direction of the mayor of 
Paris. I must confess I was somewhat surprised that the mayor of 
Paris had given such an order, as none had ever been enforced billeting 
French soldiers upon Americans. 

It now appears that the mayor, or his subordinates, had undertaken 
to quarter as many German soldiers as possible on foreigners, particu- 
larly Americans, and spare their own people. I immediately made an 
appeal to German officers, in view of what I considered the meaning of 
Mr. Von Thile's letter to Mr. Bancroft, that American property should 
be respected, not to quarter their soldiers in the apartments of my coun- 
trymen. As the}^ had no order on the subject they did not consider 
themselves bound to conform to the suggestion of Mr. Yon Thile's let- 
ter, but in many instances, upon a statement of the case, they did not 
insist upon going into American apartments, but found lodgings else- 
where. In other instances they went in under threats of using force 
unless the apartments were opened to them, although the American flag 
was in all cases displayed, and the persons in charge had papers from 
me certifying that the property belonged to Americans, and was entitled 
to be. respected as such. Occupying the apartments for so short a time, 
and upon full explanation of the ownership of the property, and upon, 
an earnest request that it should not be damaged, I am happy to say 
that scarcely any injury has been inflicted upon a single apartment. I 
made it a matter of complaint to Mr. Jules Favre that the mayor of Paris 
had billeted so many of the German soldiers in the American apartments 
"while so large a number of the French apartments had been spared. He 
expressed great regret at such being the case, and said the condition of 
things had come upon them so suddenly that everything had been done 
in great confusion, and that if any damage whatever happened to Amer- 



156 FEANCO-GEKMAN WAR. 

ican property by the German troops, all such damage should be scrupu- 
lously paid for. But no claim for damages has yet been put in, and you 
can well imagine my relief in finding, at the end of the war, and after 
all the danger and tribulations through which we have passed in Paris, 
that out of American property estimated from seven to ten millions of 
dollars, the damage by the casualties resulting from the state of war 
does not amount to $500, excepting always the horses which were taken 
by requisition for food at a stated price per pound, and not according 
to values. 



I have, &c., 



E. B. WASHBURNB. 



[Inclosure 1.] 
Count Bismarck to Mr. JVashiurne. 

Versailles, February 28, 1871. 
Sir: I had the honor of receiving your letter of r yesterday's date on the subject of 
the forthcoming entry of German troops into Paris. In answer I beg to say, in con- 
firmation of a letter of Baron Thile, of September 28, that the German troops, as a rule, 
respect private property, and that any of the exigencies of war necessitating a devia- 
tion from that rule is not likely to arise during the intended partial occupation of 
Paris. 

Respecting the billeting of soldiers, how desirous soever we are to exempt or alle- 
viate citizens of friendly states, who have their domicile or residence in France, I can- 
not acknowledge a claim to such exemption as founded in international law, landed 
property and tenements of aliens not bearing any character of exterritoriality. 

I also beg to observe that the military authorities who have to provide quarters can- 
not be expected to enter into researches about proprietorship of houses, or relations 
between landlord, tenant, and occupant. 
I have, t&c, 

V. BISMARCK. 



[Inclosure 2. J 
Mr. TVashhurne to Count BismarcTc. 

Paris, February 27, 1871. 
Sir: In Adew of the official announcement that a certain number of the German 
troops are to enter Paris on Wednesday next, to remain for sometime, and of the fact 
that the part of the city in which they are to be quartered contains a very great num- 
ber of apartments of American citizens, and a large amount of American property, I 
beg leave to call the attention of your excellency to the correspondence upon this sub- 
ject between Mr. de Thile and Mr. Bancroft. I have the honor to inclose a copy of Mr. 
de Thilc's letter in reply to Mr. Bancroft, who had applied on behalf of my government 
to have American property in Paris respected in case of the entry of the German troops. 
As fear has been expressed by some of my countrymen that German soldiers might 
be quartered in their apartments, I have thought proper to call your attention to this 
subject, to the end that such action may be taken by the North German military author- 
ities as would carry out the purposes expressed by Mr. de Thile. The proprietors of 
nearly all the American property in Paris have been provided by me with protection 
papers and authorized to display the American flag. 
I take this opportunity, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 175. 
Mr. Waslihurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 390.J Legation of the United States, 

Paris, March 17, 1871. (Received March 31.) 

Sir : Affairs in Paris for the past week have not been of very great 

interest. The National Assembly, as you will have seen, has removed its 

place of sitting from Bordeaux to Versailles, and the members of the 

government who were at Bordeaux have all returned to Paris. The 



FRANCO-GERMAN WAR. 157 

<iaesti()n of the removal of the Xatioual Assembly from Bordeaux excited 
a good deal of feeling and an animated discussion in that body. Ver- 
sailles, by a large majority, was carried, over the unanimous report of 
the committee in favor of Fontaiuebleau, by the powerful and personal 
influence of Mr. Thiers. The assembly meets at Versailles on Monday 
-next, and though it sits in that place the seat of government will be at 
Paris. Mr. Thiers will occnpy the splendid hotel of the minister of 
foreign affairs, where he will hold his official receptions. The council 
of ministers, however, is to hold its meetings at Versailles. The pro- 
ceedings of the assembly will be vastly important, and will be watched 
with the greatest interest. Its great mission will be to legislate for the 
immediate exigencies of the country, but it is not supposed that it will 
attempt to act as a constituent to form a new government, without, at 
any rate, obtaining a power for such, purpose from the people by a pleb- 
ecite. It is quite evident to my mind that the tendency of the country 
is to continue the republic, as the only form of government which can 
be sustained in France at the present time. But political events are so 
uncertain in France, that it is unsafe to venture predictions as to what 
may happen. Since the raising of the siege, some half a dozen very 
violent newspapers had been established, which were daily filled with 
the most revolutionary appeals, and teeming with incitations to blood- 
shed and civil war. A few days ago General Vinoy, military com- 
mandant of Paris, issued an order, not only suppressing the whole 
batch, but forbidding other papers of a like character to appear until 
the siege of Paris should be raised by direction of the national assembly. 
This order of General Vinoy has been unfavorably commented upon very 
generally by the press, but I think it has given very general satisfac- 
tion to a large majority of the people of Paris. But that which has 
created more talk and comment, and is, in my judgment, of far more 
serious import, has been the action of some regiments of the national 
guard, who seized upon large numbers of cannon and mitrailleuses, some 
two weeks since, and fortified themselves on the Butte Montmartre. 
These people have set up a sort of independent side-show in opposition 
to the government. I do not regard any great degree of violence as prob- 
able, but it must be confessed that the condition of the lower and work- 
ing classes of Paris is alarming. Each man fit to bear arms has been 
enlisted in the national guard, receiving for himself a franc and a half a 
day, and an additional sum for his wife, if married, and if he have 
children a certain sum for every child. But now, it having become neces- 
sary to disband the national guard and stop this pay, it is a question 
of the greatest gravity what is to befall these people. Every branch of 
industry is paralyzed ; all building and improvement of the city has 
been stopped, and it is about impossible for the laborers to get work. 

Nothing, as yet, has been disclosed as to the projects of the govern- 
ment for raising the money to pay off its indemnity to the Germans. 
There is an evident disposition in all circles to make a superhuman 
effort to satisfy this debt, and get the Germans out of France at the 
earliest possible moment. The procuring of such a vast amount of 
money will, I am afraid, interfere very much with the negotiations of our 
new five per cent. loan. To raise this money it is thought France will 
be obliged to offer its securities on better terms than our new loan can 
be had at. The French people have always had great faith in their own 
securities and in their own national credit, and do not generally go 
abroad after investments unless they can purchase foreign securities on 
terms that will bring them higher rates than their own will yield. 
1 have, &c., 

' ' E. B. WASHBUENE. 



158 FKANCO-GEEMAN WAK. 

No. 176. 
Count Bismarcli to Mr. Wasliburne. 

[Telegram. — Translation.] 

Berlin, Blarcli 17, 1871. (Eeceived March 17.) 

American Minister, Paris : 

You are authorized to furnish to Germans desiring to leave Paris 
the means necessary to reach frontier. Please reimburse yourself from 
the fund of the legation. 

BISMARCK. 



No. 177. 

Coimt Bismarck to Mr. Wasliburne. 

[Telegram. — Translation.] 

Berlin, Marcli 17, 1871—4 p. m. (Keceived March 17.) 

Mr. Washeurne, 

American Minister, Paris : 

The excesses committed against the Germans at Paris are re'peated in 
the provinces. Our officers and soldiers continue to be the victims of 
insults and attacks on the part of the inhabitants of the occupied de- 
partments. The facts impose on me the duty of recuriyng to your inter- 
vention for the purpose of obtaining from the French Government ener- 
getic measures to put an end to a state of things which may threaten 
with serious perils the wounded and sick whom our armies are forced 
to leave in the territories evacuated by them. 

I beg your excellency to kindly call the attention of the French Gov- 
ernment to these dangers, inviting it to provide, according to the trea- 
ties and the law of nations, for the protection of the Germans who shall 
need it. 

BISMAECK. 



No. 178. 

Count Bismarck to Mr. Washhurne. 

[Telegram. — Translation.] 

Berlin, 2£arc]i 18, 1871—3 p. m. (Eeceived March 18.) 

American Minister, Paris : 

It appears that at Paris the persons and property of expelled Germans 
are subjected to taxes, intended to cover the costs of war. Please inquire 
and inform me ot the result. 

BISMAECK. 



THE COMMUNE. ]59 

:N'o. 179. 
Mr. Favre to Jfr. Washburne. 

[Translation. 1 

Paris, March 18, 1871. 

My Dear Minister : I am iu receipt of the dispatch kindly comniu- 
nicated to me by you, addressed to you by the chancellor of the empire, 
of date yesterday, March 17, and by which the chancellor informs you 
of excesses which have been committed on the persons of German of&- 
cers and soldiers in the districts occupied by the Grerman troops. Un- 
fortunately I have no method of either verifying or repressing them. 

When in conformity with the convention signed by General Count de 
Fabrice and the minister of finances the French administration shall be 
re-established, we will be able to intervene, and perhaps we will also 
have occasion on our side to call attention to acts of abuse by German 
soldiers whose proceedings are denounced to us every day by our fellow- 
citizens. What I can promise on my part is, that the government will 
do all that in it lies to protect German subjects who are found within 
its territory, asking of the Prussian authorities to give orders to their 
troops to respect discipline. 

As to the war taxes exacted from Germans, the statement is utterly 
inexact and I beg you to deny it when you reply to Mr. de Bismarck. 
I seize this occasion, &c., 

JULES FAVEE, 

Mr. E. B. Washburnb, 

&c., &o., &c. 



THE COMMUNE. 
No. 180. 

21r. Wasliburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 394.] ' . Legation of the United States, 

Paris, March 19, 1871. (Beceived April 3'.) 

Sir : In my No. 390, of day before yesterday, I alluded to the insur- 
rectionary movements in Paris, and expressing the opinion that they 
would not amount to much, and that no great degree of violence was 
probable. It was not then possible for me to conceive that in a little 
more than twenty- four hours from that time Mr. Thiers and all the mem- 
bers of his government would be obliged to flee from Paris, and that 
an insurrectionary committee of the national guard would, at the 
moment I am writing, be complete masters of the city. Yet such is 
the fact. The attempt of the government to dislodge the insurgents at 
Montmartre, and to get possession of the cannon there, installed before 
daybreak yesterday morning, proved a complete failure, the troops of 
the line fraternizing with the national guard and refusing to fire upon 
ihem. All was lost from that moment, though the government did not 
appear to realize it, and various feeble demonstrations were made during 
the day to vindicate the public authority. All day long, whenever the 
troops of the line and the national guard came witbin reach of each 
other, they reversed their muskets in token of peace. Without knowing 
the full gravity of the situation, I started about noon yesterday to 



160 THE COMMUNE. 

make a trip into the country. On my return at six o'clock in the evening, 
by the way of the Bastile, I found the circulation for carriages interdicted 
on the principal streets. Being turned into the by-streets, 1 soon found 
my way impeded by barricades which had been improvised, and every- 
where the insurrectionary national guard. After making various turns, 
liowever, I was enabled to get through, the obstructed quarter. While 
I saw so many evidences of great public commotion, I had no idea how 
serious matters were until this morning, when, in coming down to my 
legation, I found the city full of the most fearful rumors. I at once 
went to the Foreign Office, and found that Mr. Jules Favre and the whole 
government had left for Versailles at half past nine o'clock last night. 
Leaving the Foreign Office and going to the boulevards, the intelligence 
of the shooting of Generals Clement Thomas, and Lecompt, by the in- 
surgent troops yesterday, was confirmed, and, as I am now dictating 
this dispatch, Count Sartiges has come into the legation to say that 
General Vinoy was also shot this morning. I am not sure but the same 
fate awaits Chanzy, for three men have just been here to claim my pro- 
tection for a young American, who is his aid, and who was arrested with 
him yesterday, and both of whom are now held in close custody by the 
insurgent troops. The ministry of the interior and the ministry of jus- 
tice, as well as the prefecture of police and the Hotel de Ville, are occu- 
pied by the insurgents. The central committee of the insurrectionary 
national guard has issued a iDroclamation, which is j)lacarded on the 
walls this afternoon, stating that they have taken the power of the gov- 
ernment, driven out the members thereof who betrayed it; that their 
mission so far is ended, and they call upon the people of Paris to elect 
a government to-morrow. The regular government of France, consti- 
tuted by the will of the people, as expressed through the National 
Assembly at Bordeaux, having been driven from Paris by the insurrec- 
tionary movement, and established itself at Yersailles, I deem it my 
duty to follow that government, and shall, therefore, on to-morrow or 
the next day, remove thither with the legation, leaving one of the sec- 
retaries in charge here. Every member of the diplomatic corps will 
also leave. If the seat of government shall remain at Versailles, which 
is now very doubtful, my removal will be more nominal than real, for 
while I shall have my official residence at Versailles, I shall come into 
Paris every day. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURI^E. 



No. 181. 
[By cable.] 



March 20, 1871. 
Fish, 

Secretary of State, WasMngton : 
The following just received by messenger from Washburne for you : 

Paris, March 19. 
National guard committee master of Paris ; departments of interior and justice, pre- 
fecture of police. Hotel de Ville occupied by insurgents; Generals Vinoy, Thomas, and 
Lecompt murdered by troops ; election for commune to-morrow. All members Thiers's 
government gone to Versailles ; I follow with, whole diplomatic corps. 

WASHBURNE. 

MOPtAN, 

London. 
Eeceived at 2.20 p. m., March 21, 1871. 



THE COMMUNE. 161 

No. 182. 
Mr. Fish to Mr. Washbur%e. 

No. 249.] Department of State, 

Washington, March 21, 1871. 

Sir : Your goverament has sympathized deeply with you ia the trials 
and privations and annoyances to which you were subjected during the 
long-continued siege of tlie capital to which you were officially accredited, 
and where a high sense of duty, which is appreciated and commended, 
induced you to remain in the efficient and heroic discharge of the most 
difficult and delicate responsibilities that fall within the province of 
diplomatic service. 

The President recognizes that your continuance within the besieged 
capital after the discretionary permission, given you in my dispatch No. 
22<J, of the 21:th January last, has been from the promptings of your 
own conviction that the interests committed to you required the very 
great sacrifice of comfort 5 of the separation from your family ; isolation 
from the intercourse of friends, personal discomforts, and risk of health 
and life. This sacrifice and these trials you have endured, and I desire 
officially to record the high appreciation and warm approval of your 
government. You have done your duty faithfully and ably, and the 
President tenders you his thanks for the manner in which you have 
discharged the delicate duties devolving upon you, and have, on all 
occasions, maintained the dignity of your position and the rights of 
your government. 

An acknowledgment is also due to Mr. Hoffman, the secretary of your 
legation, for his faithful and able service during this long period of trial. 
You will please express to him the sense of the Department of his con- 
duct. 

Herewith you will receive a printed copy of an act of Congress ap- 
proved March 3, 1871, by the 5th and 6th clauses of which appropriations 
are made to meet increased expenses incurred by the legation at Paris 
(among others) caused by a state of war, and for extra compensation to 
the secretaries and messengers of the legation, in conformity with the 
recommendations made in your dispatches on the subject. 

I will thank you to prepare and forward to the Department a state- 
ment of expenses that may be fairly charged against these appropriations, 
to be presented in the form of a special account. 
I am, &c., 

HAMILTON FISH. 



No. 183. 

Mr. Washburne to Count Bismarcl:. 

LegtAtion of the United States, 

Paris, March 22, 1871. 
■ Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your three sev- 
eral telegraphic dispatches. Two of them are answered by the letter of 
Mr. Jules Favre, a copy of which you will find inclosed herewith.* 

In regard to the third, in relation to furnishing the necessary means 
to Germans desirous of quitting Paris, I have to state that I now fur- 

* See No. 179. 
S. Ex. 24 11 



162 THE COMMUNE. 

nish a sufficient sum to all who wish to leave, and many have a ready 
gone. The present extraordinary state of things here creates very 
great embarrassment in regard to your people now in Paris. For fear 
of violence, the proprietors are beginning to drive them out of their 
houses under orders of the national guard. Having no longer homes 
in Paris, and in the midst of a hostile population, I am sending them 
out of the city to Patiu as fast as possible, and from there I hope they 
will reach your lines. I have no doubt your military authorities will 
have received full orders to give every protection and assistance to such 
of your countrymen as may reach them from here. 

While I propose to take up my official residence at Versailles, it will 
be necessary for me to come to Paris every day to look after the interest 
of my own countrymen, as well as to protect as far as possible the sub- 
jects of the North German Confederation. I beg to assure your excel- 
lency nothing will be left undone by me to afford every possible pro- 
tection, aid, and assistance to your countrymen. So far there has been 
less actual violence than I had feared, but in these exceptional circum- 
stances no one can tell what will happen from hour to hour, yet I hope 
for a peaceful solution, but am not certain as to anything. 
I have the honor to be, &c., &c. 

E. B. WASHBURKE. 

His Excellency Count de Bismarck, 

Chancellor, &g. 



1^0. 184. 

Mr. Wasliburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 395.] • Legation of the United States, 

JParis, March 23, 1871. (Eeceived April 6.) 
Sir : I addressed you a somewhat hurried dispatch, No. 394, on Sun- 
day afternoon last, which was forwarded to Mr. Moran, at London, to be 
transmitted to you by open mail. The intelligence which I sent to 
you by telegraph of the shooting of General Vinoy was incorrect, though 
I had the most positive assurance that it was true. The next day (20th) 
Paris was very quiet, and no very great number of national guards were 
to be seen in the most frequented part of the city, many people hoping 
that the worst was over, and that there would be a solution of the 
difficulties in some unforeseen manner. I went out to Versailles on that 
day to see what was the situation there. The National Assembly had 
met on that day, and nearly all the deputies were present. Very little 
was accomplished. I was unable to see Mr. Jules Favre, and I returned 
to Paris in the evening. There were large numbers of the troops of the 
line (estimated at forty thousand) in and about Versailles, but great 
doubts were expressed whether they would prove true to the govern- 
ment in the event of a collision with the insurrectionary national guard. 
On Monday evening some fifty Americans gave a public dinner in honor 
of Lieutenant-General Sheridan at the Hotel Splendide, and everything 
in that central portion of the city was profoundly tranquil that night. 
On Tuesday there was a sort of dead, fearful calm in the city, and a 
feeling of great uneasiness. In the afternoon there was a considerable 
demonstration made by persons calling themselves friends of order, men 
of property and character, who went entirely unarmed. The effect of 



THE COMMUNE. 163 

this demonstration was to inspire some coufidencje among the friends of 
order and to exasperate the insurgents. It was determined to repeat 
the demonstration, and yesterday a shocking occurrence took place, 
which has created the intensest excitement in the city. An interesting 
account of the affair is given by Mr. Moore, the assistant secretary of 
legation, who was eye-witness, and which I send herewith. In his letter 
to me Mr. JNfoore does not allude to the killing of an American citizen. 
On the dead body of this man there was found a passport issued by Mr. 
Seward to George S. Hanna, but he had cards upon his person bearing 
the name of George H. Teniel, and I learn he is a young man from Saint 
Louis, who had been in the service of the franc-tireurs during the war 
here. I ascertained that he had been at our legation in company with 
young Mr. Chouteau, of Saint Louis, and I went to the banking-house of 
Bowles Bros. & Co. this afternoon to look at the corpse, but I could not 
recognize it as any person I had ever seen before. General Eead took 
charge of the body, and placed it in the hands of the friends of the 
deceased in Paris. I again went to Versailles yesterday to make final 
arrangements for changing my official residence to that place. I pro- 
cured an apartment for my legation, and shall take up my residence 
(nominally, at least) to-morrow. The Jbusiuess of the legation here is now 
very large, keeping us all constantly engaged, and my own presence in 
the city at this critical period seems almost indispensable. I shall, 
therefore, come into Paris from Versailles about every day, in the in- 
terest of my countrymen and of the Germans, with whose protection I 
am still charged, and whose situation is becoming more and more pre- 
carious. This removal to Versailles will involve quite a large additional 
expense, in regard to which I would be glad to be advised. 

I was down in the city at one o'clock this afternoon, and everything 
was very quiet. The friends of law and order have been greatly 
strengthened and the number of the national guards who are loyal to 
the interests of order is increasing very rapidly. Ten thousand of them 
are now guarding the Bank of France, and they'hold today the mayor- 
alty of the second arrondissement. 

In my 394, 1 spoke of an American who was an aid of General Chanzy, 
and who had been arrested on his arrival in Paris. I took immediate 
measures to ascertain where he was, in order to have him released. I 
sent Mr. McKean, my acting private secretary, in search of him on Sun- 
day afternoon last, but he was unable to find out anything about him. 

The man, however, turned up at my legation this afternoon while I was 
engaged in writing this dispatch. His name is J. Schenowsky, and he 
was late brevet captain in the Fifth United States Cavalry. He resigned 
his position in the Army to come to tight for France, and here he be- 
came the chief of squadron attached to the cavalry division of the 21st 
army corps, and was placed upon the staff of General Chanzy. Chanzy 
himself arrived in the train, from Orleans on Saturday night, and was 
arrested by the national guard and taken to prison. Captain Schenow- 
sky arrived by the next train, at three o'clock on Sunday morning, and 
on his arrival he and several others. Frenchmen, were arrested and 
taken off by the same guard. He was kept a close prisoner until one 
o'clock on Sunday afternoon, when, showing his commission, which bore 
upon its face that he had formerly been an officer in the United States 
Army, he was released. Feeling very anxious about his old commander, 
Chanzy, whom he esteems highly as a brave soldier and whose misfor- 
tune he considers attributable solely to the character of his troops, on 
Monday last he attempted to visit him, and even after receiving an 
authority for that purpose he was arrested again by the national guard 



164 THE COMMUNE. 

and taken to the prefecture, where lie was kept in "durance vile" for 
some six or seven hours and then again released. Another man, a 
Frenchman, who was long in our service during the rebellion, Mr. Uiric 
de Fionville, who, I believe, was in the engineer service of General 
Warren's corps in the Army of the Potomac, and who has been serving 
France since the war, was also arrested by the national guard, but I 
learn that he has escaped and that he has been condemned to death for 
" contumajcy." 

Mr. McKean has given me a very interesting account of his searches 
for Captain Schenowsky, which brings vividly to mind the scenes of the 
first revolution. He says that in company with two French gentlemen 
he went first to the prison where Chanzy had been incarcerated, in the 
avenue d'ltalie. It was in one of the most wretched quarters of Mon- 
trouge. The streets of the neighborhood were all barricaded, furnished 
with cannon, and full of drunken and ferocious-looking men. Having 
entered the prison and stated the object of their visit, two captains of 
the troops stationed there got into a most violent dispute as to which 
of them were in authority. The one who had actual possession of the 
key was beastly drunk, but he finally surrendered it to the other, and 
they were admitted into the prison. They found there only one man, a 
Mr. Edmond Turquet, a member of the ISfational Assembly from the de- 
partment of the Aisne, a young and gallant-looking man, who had fought 
with brilliant courage under Chanzy, and received three several wounds. 
He was on his way to the meeting of the assembly at Versailles, and 
was arrested at the same time as General Chanzy. Captain Schenowsky 
had not been there, but Chanzy had, and had been removed to the prison 
de la Sante. Here they learned that on his way to this last prison 
Chanzy had been fallen upon by the mob, kicked, cuffed, and beaten 
with canes and sticks, and threatened with instant death. In making 
farther searches for Captain Schenowsky, they went to the prefecture 
of police, between eight and nine o'clock at night. All the usual en- 
trances were barred, and access to the building was obtained by a small 
side door, which led into the basement. There they were ushered into 
a little, dark, dismal room, for the purpose of obtaining permission to 
see the prefect. Here a most extraordinary spectacle was presented. 
The room was densely packed with soldiers of the most sinister look. A 
court-martial was being held. Three desperate and savage-looking men, 
in the uniform of officers of the national guard, were sitting at a small 
table in one corner of the room, which was lighted by a diminutive oil 
lamp that stood upon the table. Before this terrible tribunal was ar- 
raigned a respectable-appearing young man in citizen dress. As they 
entered, the tribunal was upon the point of pronouncing judgment, but 
in the confusion it was impossible to hear what it was. From the ve- 
hement protestations of the young man and the intense agony in which 
he appeared to be, they had butlittle doubt that his sentence was death. 
He was immediately taken in charge by four soldiers and hustled out of 
the room, probably to be shot. Finding themselves in such a crowd, 
they did not dare to make any inquiries in reference to what the sen- 
tence really was. Mr. McKean went to the prefecture the next day in 
further search of Captain Schenowsky, and while there three respecta- 
ble men were brought in charged with wearing a badge of blue ribbon. 
They were immediately sent down to this self-constituted revolutionary 
tribunal in the cellar, to undergo a mock trial, and very likely to be 
condemned and shot. It is only by visits like these that the world will 
ever get an inkling of the terrible atrocities which have been commit- 
ted during this new reign of terror. 



THE COMMUNE. 165 

You will have seen by the telegraphic dispatches, and by the news- 
papers 1 send yon, the proceedings of the National Assembly at Ver- 
sailles. Never did a heavier weight rest upon the shoulders of any 
deliberative assembly than weighs upon the body at Versailles at this 
time, and it remains to be seen wliether it can save France. The whole 
aspect now is such as to inspire every man in France with terror. The 
state of things in Paris today is without a jiarallel in its history. Since 
Saturday evening last there has been not even the shadow of a govern- 
ment in this city of two millions of people. There is nothing but a di- 
rection, whose behests are enforced by the power of the insurgent na- 
tional guard. How far this thing will go, and how it is to end, it is 
useless for me to predict, for you will know by telegrapii of results as 
they occur, long before this reaches you, and I fear that which I am 
writing will be old news and of little interest. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosiire.] 

Mr. Moore to Mr. Waslxliurne. 

Legation of the United States, 

Faris, March 22, 1871. 

Sir: Following your instructions, I have the honor to submit a report of what I per- 
sonally saw at the collision which took place this afternoon in the rue de la Pais, be- 
tween a body of insurgent national guards and a large crowd of persons belonging to 
the law-and-order party of this city. 

At half past one o'clock, as I turned the corner of the rue Neuve des Capucines 
entering therne de la Paix, I saw a large body of men, composed about equally of per- 
sons in the uniform of the national guard and civilians, coming into the last-named 
street, at its junction with the Place de l'0p6ra. The crowd appeared to be led by a 
few under-officers of the national guard and about twenty or thirty armed soldiers. 
Whether the latter belonged to the insurgents, and were being driven before the crowd, 
I was unable at the moment to determine, but it is now understood that they formed 
a part of the law-and-order party. The civilians and unarmed soldiers carried ordinary 
walking-sticks in mostinstances. Fearing the consequences of remaining in the crowd, 
I entered a jeweler's shop. No. 10 rue de la Paix, from which I could see all that 
transpired in that thoroughfare between the rue Neuve des Capucines and rue Neuve 
desPetites Champs, but was unable to look into the Place Vendome,wherea considera- 
ble body of the insurgent national guard was posted. Across the rue de la Paix a line of 
the insurgents was drawn at the junction of theme Neuve des Capucines, and two cannon 
were stationed immediately in their rear. As I entered the jeweler's store the crowd 
pressed by, making loud cries of "Arm, arm yourselves ! " and " Vive la republique I " 
the soldiers loading their guns and the others brandishing their canes high in the air, 
as they surged on toward the Place Venddme. In a moment more the crowd seemed 
to come to a stand, when I went through a rear door of the store and entered the court- 
yard of the premises. Finding the door of the main entrance to the rue de la Paix partly 
open, I went to it, and discovered on the sidewalk General Chetlain, the American con- 
sul at Brussels, among the crowd. I beckoned him in, as another forward movement 
of the law-and-order party had then commenced, and returned to the 'jeweler's store. 
The crowd pressed on more furiously than before, filling the air with cries of " Vive 
la republique !" "Vive I'ordre!" and "Arm, arm yourselves!" In about two minutes 
a single gun was fired, and in a moment more a general firing of small-arms com- 
menced, which continued about ten minutes. The firing was very irregular, and did 
not appear to be by platoon. The cannon were not fired. Looking from the store in 
which I was, I saw seven men fall to the pavement, two of whom were killed in- 
stantly. A person in citizen's dress who attempted to succor a wounded man was shot 
down and killed. About two minutes after the general fusilade had ceased a single 
shot was fired immediately in front of my position. General Chetlain tells me that 
this shot was fired' at a man already wounded, and who was crawling up on the side- 
walk. As soon as quiet had somewhat returned I again went into the court-yard and 
ascended to the first story of the apartment, from which I could look up and down the 
rue de la Paix its entire length. In the window of the parlor of Lieutenant-General 
Sheridan, at the Westminster Hotel, immediately opposite, I discovered General Mer- 



166 THE COMMUNE. 

ritt and Mr. Paul S. Forbes, who must, from their position, have been able to see all 
that was going on. Immediately after I saw General Chetlain safe and inside the 
court-yard into which I had called him at the moment of the second advance of the 
crowd, and he joined myself and a friend. We remained in the first story of the apart- 
ment about fifteen minutes, during which time we saw the dead bodies of two men 
lying on the opposite sidewalk. Both of these bodies were carried inside the insur- 
gent lines at the Place Vendome. General Chetlain informed me that a young man 
who Avas standing in the rue de la Paix, a few feet from him, was shot through the arm 
and had his wound dressed in the rear court-yard of the building in which we had 
taken refuge. Comparative order having been restored. General Chetlain, my friend, 
and myself left the house and soon gained the boulevards, from which place we expe- 
rienced no difficulty in returning home. As we passed No. 12 rue de la Pais, we saw 
the body of a dead old man, whose head had been terribly mutilated by a shot, and 
who had evidently been shot down on the edge of the sidewalk, for the marks of his 
crawling to the place where he died gave sufficient proof of that fact. 
I have, &c., 

FRANK MOORE, 
Assistant Secretary of Legation. 



No. 185. 

Mr. Wcisliburne to Mr. Fish. 

Ko. 396.] Legation of the United States, 

Versailles, March 24, 1871. (Received April 6.) 

Sir : I have the honor to inform you that I have this day taken up 
my official residence near the Government of France at this place, and 
that I have established the legation of the United States at No. 7 rue 
de Mademoiselle. I left Paris by railroad from the Havre depot at half 
after twelve. That depot was held by the troops of order, but when 
we got out a little way, at Battignolles, we were arrested by the insur- 
rectionary national guard, who detained the train an hour and a half to 
look for soldiers, suspected persons, and to e'xaraine all baggage. On 
arriving at the depot here all the passengers were required to show their 
passes and to give up any revolutionary papers, particularly the bogus 
official journal, which they might have. The election for the commune, 
first fixed „ for Wednesday last, then postponed till yesterday, when no 
attempt was made to hold it, is now fixed for next Sunday, the 26th in- 
stant. I could not see much improvement in Paris before 1 left today. 
General Cluseret is said to occupy the position of secretary of war. 
The order is published that the " reactionary" editors, as they are called, 
that is, the editors of all the respectable journals in Paris, are to be sent 
for trial to the " committee central"; in other words, to a military tri- 
bunal. The names of many of these editors were already in the lists of 
proscriptions, and they write with their throats literally under the knife 
of assassins. 

I send a messenger back to Paris to-night to have this dispatch go 
out by the bag which leaves for London this evening. 
I have, &G., 

E. B. WASHBLTENB. 



No. 186. 
Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 397.] Legation of the United States, 

Versailles, March 25, 1871. (Eeceived April 12.) 
Sir : In the terrible situation of Paris and indeed of France, I sup- 
posed I should find the attention of the government and of the National 
Assembly here completely engrossed with the consideration of measures 



THE COMMUNE. 167 

leiulinf>' to vindicate the national antliority in Paris, and rescue the city 
from the hands of the insurrectionists, but I am disappointed. Every- 
thing seems paralyzed. On going into the National Assembly last night, 
I found a discussion of certain commercial questions going on. At the 
opening of the sitting at half past two o'clock to-day, when it was sup- 
posed that important measures connected with the state of things in 
Paris would be brought up, there was a long and. tedious discussion 
opened in regard to the removal of certain magistrates by Cremieux., 
when he was acting in behalf of the government of the national defence. 
No effective steps have been taken here to put down the insurrectionary 
movement, which is gaining strength every day by the delay. All the 
members of the diplomatic corps, and all other persons with whom I 
have conversed here, take the most gloomy view of the situation, and 
no one presumes to speculate as to results. The Republican members 
complain that the assembly is ultra-reactionary and that it will yield, 
nothing to liberal ideas so that a common ground can be found in oppo- 
sition to the insurrectionary movement and upon which all can stand. 
They say that they have no sympathy with Paris, and are not only in- 
disposed to yield anything, or, on the other hand to take any vigorous 
steps to enforce the authority of the state and to restore order in Paris. 
* * * # To my mind the appearance of things to-day is more dis- 
couraging then ever. The insurrectionists in Paris are gaining power 
and strength every hour, and the party of order, in finding itself unsup- 
ported from Versailles, must be giving way. Indeed, as I write it is 
currently reported that nearly all the mayors have given in and will join 
with the coniite central of the national guard to hold an election for 
a commune to-morrow. Should this happen and an election be held, the 
present complications will be added to, and the city government of Paris 
will become an organized power in opposition to the Government of 
France. 

It would be difficult to convey to you an adequate idea of the con- 
dition of things existing in Paris. In some portions of the city all is 
quiet and orderly ; but in other parts we see nothing but " grim-vis- 
aged war," barricades, regiments marching and countermarching, the 
beating of the rappel, the mounting guard, the display of cannon and 
mitrailleuses, and the interdiction of circulation in the streets. Then 
there are the numerous arrests, the mock-trials, and the executions. 
As illustrative of the extraordinary state of affairs here, you would 
only have to see with what sanguinary naivete a military report is 
made on the 21st instant by the general commanding the national 
guard of Montmartre, a man by the name of Gamier, who was formerly 
a dealer in cooking utensils. He says, in the first place, that there is 
" nothing new ; night calm and without incident." He then goes on to 
say that at five minutes after ten o'clock two sergents de ville were 
brought in by the franc-tireurs and immediately shot. He continues, 
"At twenty minutes after midnight, a guardian of the peace, accused of 
having fired a revolver, is shot." He closes his report of that calm 
night "without incident" by saying that a gendarme, brought in by the 
guards of the twenty- eighth battallion, at seven o'clock, is shot. Thus 
it will be seen that in one night, in only one of the arrondissements, 
which is described as being " calm and without incident," four officers 
of the law are deliberately murdered. 

I alluded in my No. 396 to the action of the comite central in regard 
to the press of Paris. I did not refer to the fact that early in the week 
the establishments of two journals of large circulation — the Gaulois 
and the Figaro — were seized and held by the insurgent guard. The 



168 THE COMMUNE. 

Journal Officiel of the iDSurrection oq Thursday last coutained the 
following ominous notice : 

The reactionary press has recourse to falsehood and calumny to discourage the 
patriots who have achieved a triumph for the rights of the people. 

We do not vs^ish to interfere with the liberty of the press, only, the government of 
Versailles, having suspended the ordinary course of the tribunals, we warn the writers 
of bad faith, to whom the common law against outrage and calumny would in ordi- 
nary times be applied, that they will immediately be deferred to the central commit- 
tee of the national guard. 

Of course every one understands what that publication means. It is 
a menace against all the editors in Paris who call in question the acts 
and usurpations of the insurgents, and it signifies that they may be 
sent to a military tribunal. 

As a pretext to seize, imprison, and execute any and all persons who- 
may be denounced, the Journal Officiel of the insurgents of yesterday 
morning published the following : 

Numerous Bonaj)artist agents and Orleanists have been surprised making distribu- 
tions of silver for the jjurpose of turning the inhabitants from their civic duties. 
Every individual convicted of corruption or attempt at corruption will be immedi- 
ately deferred to the central committee of the national guard. 

Here is another notice in the same paper of yesterday : 

Death to Eobbees. — Every person caught in the act of robbery will be immedi- 
ately shot. 

Eequisitions have commenced in Paris. Many shopkeepers now hes- 
itate to lay in supplies, and all manifest the intention of defending their 
property. Subjoined is a specimen of one of the orders issued by the 
committee of the Hotel de.Yille : 

Liberty, Equality, Feateenity. — In the name of the Eepublic— Eequisitions,. 

Money, Provisions. 
In case of refusal citizen X, charged with the commission, may get himself assisted by 
the national guards of the quarter. 

(Signed) , 

Memher of the Federation. 

There are two stamps on this paper, one with the words " Bepuhlique 
frangaise," and the other " Federation rqyublicaine.''^ 

Everybody inquires what next ? The disorganization of Paris is com- 
plete. There is no power to be appealed to for protection of life, lib- 
erty, or property. Anarchy, assassination, and massacre hold high car- 
nival. There are already heard the fearful whispers of a " law of the 
suspect," of the dressing of lists of proscriptions, and domiciliary visits. 
I would fain hope that things may not reach that extremity which most 
intelligent persons predict, and that before this despatch reaches you 
you may have telegraphic intelligence of a comparative restoration of 
peace and order. 



I have, &c. 



E. B. WASHBURNE. 



1^0. 187. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 398] Legation oe the United States, 

Versailles, March 27, 1871. (Keceived April 12.) 
Sir: The election for the commune which took place in Paris yes- 
terday was a perfect farce. It was ordered by the comite central with- 
out the shadow of authority, and the acquiescence in it at the eleventh 
hour by nearly all the mayors, and some ten members of the National 



THE COMMUNE. 169 

Assembly representing Paris, gave it no legality. Yet if the people had 
generally voted there would have been a certain moral force in the 
result. But that was not the case. There are some five hundred and 
fifty thousand voters in the city. On yesterday there were not more 
than one hundred and eighty thousand votes cast. It is estimated that 
sixty thousand of these votes were given by men not in sympathy with 
the commune movement, leaving, therefore, the central committee at the 
Hotel de Ville only backed by a little more than one-fifth of the whole 
number of votes. Notwithstanding all this, the insurgents will claim 
an advantage from the election, and assume that they have been indorsed 
by the people of Paris. The election will bring no change for the 
better, but, on the other hand, the situation will become more threaten- 
ing. It is now the insurgents of Paris who are endeavoring to associate 
with themselves the insurgents in the other cities against the govern- 
ment of France. A dissolution of the present assembly is to be pro- 
nounced and a decree of accusation against its members, when the 
"order of revenge is to strike without pity."' 

There seems to be little doing here. The assembly had to-day a very 
short session. Mr. Thiers made a speech, appealing to the members to 
be patient and to be silent. He denied in the most emphatic terms that 
the government intended to overthrow the republic. He said, " We have 
formed the republic and we will here serve the republic." Further, he 
said: "Our mission is to reorganize the country, to bring back peace, 
activity, labor, and prosperity, if it be possible, and then to leave to 
France entire liberty as to the choice of its destinies." 

The government here evidently does not feel strong enough to cope 
with the Paris insurgents, and is waiting to get up other and more 
reliable troops. 

Mr. Thiers told a gentlemen to-day it would probably be two weeks 
before they would be ready. In the mean time you may well ask what 
is to become of Paris'? Domiciliary visits have already commenced. 
The Pere Duchene, one of the worst of the Jacobin journals, and the 
favored organ of the government of the Hotel de Yille, demands the 
inauguration of the "policy of suspicion" and a "committee of public 
safety." The red flag has replaced the tri-color at the Hotel de Yille, 
the x)alace of justice, and the tribunal of commerce. Chanz.^ has been 
released, and is now here. He made his way on foot out from Paris. 
Henri de I'Espee, appointed prefect of the Loire on the 20th instant, has 
just been assassinated at the Hotel de Ville of St. Etienne. The spirit 
of insurrection and revolution is spreading over all France, and who 
knows that while the Versailles government is wasting its days in a 
" masterly inactivity," the insurrectionists, by their activity and audacity, 
will not gather power enough to completely defy it, if not overthrow it. 
I shall return to Paris to-morrow, and come out here again Thursday ? 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUKNE. 



No. 188. 
Mr. WasJihurne to Count BismarcTc. 

Legation of the United States. 

Paris, March 29, 1871. 
Sir : I have been able in the last few days to get away one hundred 
and ninety-eight families out of the one thousand and upward heads ot 



170 THE COMMUNE. 

German families finding themselves here at the raising of the siege, and 
I am now sending off from fifty to seventy every day. Yet there will 
be many who will be unable to get away, as they are in debt, and not 
only their persons, but their movables, are detained. The people who 
are compelled to remain here are without work and are entirely depend- 
ent upon me. Those who go can take nothing but their hand baggage, 
and most of them are glad to get away even with lives. I send them 
from Paris to Frouard, a station this side of Nancy, which is in posses- 
sion of your troops. The fare I pay for each person is twenty-one francs 
and twenty-five centimes (francs 21.25), and I give about five francs 
additional for their expenses on the way. 

The Germans now remaining here are subject to more or less violence 
from the national guard and from the people. Many are arrested and 
thrust into prison. God only knows what becomes of them ; whenever 
I can hear of the detention of such I take measures to have them liber- 
ated. But it is impossible to say how much longer I shall be able to 
accomplish anything. As we are now paying out so much money, the 
fund which has been placed to my credit is very nearly exhausted, 
and if I am to continue to furnish means as usual, it will be necessary 
for me to have an additional credit. 

I take the present occasion, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURXE. 

His excellency Count de Bismarck. 



No. 189. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. von Thile. 

Legation of the United States, 

Versailles, March 30, 1871. 
Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
the 26th instant, in reference to one Jean Griibaud, botanist, who de- 
sired to receive assistance to leave Paris. I am informed that this per- 
son disposed of his property and left Paris about six weeks ago. 

I have also the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency's 
letter of the 27th instant, in reference to the arrest and imprisonment 
of a North German sailor at Marseilles. 

I have communicated a copy of your excellency's letter to Mr. Jules 
Favre. 

I have further to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency's letters 
of the 20th, 23d, and 24th March, inclosing judiciary acts to be served 
upon certain parties in France. These have been transmitted to Mr. 
Jules Favre, with copies of your excellency's letters. 
I take this opportunity, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 
His excellency Mr. von Thile, &c., &c., &c. 



No. 190. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 399.] Legation of the United States, 

Versailles, March 30, 1871. (Received April 14.) 
Sir: I have the honor to inform the department that, on the 17th 
instant, I notified Mr. Jules Favre that the citizens of Boston had sent 



^ THE COMMUNE. 171 

a lai'j;(i «]uantity of provisions to France for tlie benefit of tljose who 
bad sutt'ered by the Avar, and that the Government of the United States 
had phiced a national vessel at the disposition of the donors to carry those 
provisions to Havre. Today I am in receipt of a letter from Mr. Favre, 
a translation of which I have the honor to forward herewith, conveying 
the thanks of the French Government to that of the United States 
and to the city of Boston. 1 beg that you will transmit a copy of Mr. 
Favre's letter to the committee of the donors in that city. 
I am, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUKNE. 



[luclosure. — Translation.] 
Mr. Favre to Mr. Waslibnrne. 

Versailles, March 29, 1871. 

SiK : You did nie the bouor to inform me, by your letter of the 17th of this month, 
that a subscription had been opened in Boston with the object of sending provisions 
to those French families which have suffered most durinpj the war, and you add that 
the Government of the United States has placed at the disposition of the donors the 
United States frigate Worcester, which should already have sailed for Havre with the 
cargo. 

I hasten, sir, to address to you the thanks of the French Government for the kind- 
ness of the Cabinet of Washington, and I beg .you to transmit to the city of Boston the 
expression of our gratitude for the generosity it has shown toward, our people who 
have suffered from the war. 

In conformity with the wish which you have expressed to me, the proper authorities 
at Havre have been requested to grant to the Worcester all desirable facilities for dis- 
charging her cargo, as well as immunity from all port and custom-house charges. 

JULES FAVRE. 



No. 191. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

ISTo. 403.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, March 30, 1871. (Received April 14.) 
Sir : Events are marching apace. The election of members of the 
commune was j)roclaimed with great ceremony at the Hotel de Ville on 
Tuesday afternoon last. It was a great popular demonstration. All the 
national guards were invited to be present. At about four o'clock they 
commenced to arrive from every direction, drums beating and flags 
flying. Upon a platform in front of the hotel there was placed a large 
square table, which was surrounded by some members of the comite 
central in citizens' dress, and many officers of the national guard, all 
distinguished by a red scarf. The proceedings are opened by a display 
of flags, by repeated salvos of artillery, followed by great applause and 
cries of " Yive la commune ! " " Vive la republique ! " &g. The Place de 
I'Hotel de Ville is densely packed with the national guard. At a given 
moment the soldiers place their caps upon the point of the bayonet and 
raise their muskets in the air. M. Ranvier, the president of the central 
committee, read to the multitude the list of members elected to the 
commune. Two other members of the committee then stepped forward 
and made brief speeches, which were received with loud cries of " Vive 
la commune!" The military bands placed at the foot of the balcony 
then struck up the Marseillaise., the Chant du Depart, and the Gdrondins, 
the entire assemblage joining in the chorus. The ceremony of the 



172 THE COMMUNE. 

• 

proclamation of the Commune having been finished, all the battalions 
which had been massed upon the place of the hotel defiled before the 
balcony to the cry of "Vive la commune!" The scene was extraordi- 
nary. More than one hundred thousand persons were present at the 
ceremony. All the windows of the neighboring houses Avere well filled 
with spectators, the barricades were covered with people, and the gamins 
perched themselves in all the trees of the avenue Victoria. 

The Commune having thus been proclaimed, it met for the first time on 
Tuesday evening in the hall of the municipality of the Hotel de Ville. 
In contempt of all that has been insisted on by all liberal people, and 
by all journals of every shade of opinion, opposed to the regime of the 
Empire, that the sittings of all representative bodies should be public, 
or, at least, there should be a full publication of the journal of their pro- 
ceedings, the meeting of the Commune was in secret, and although there 
are rumors of great dissensions in the body, no one outside knows what 
actually took place. The Nouvelle Eepublique, which perhaps may be 
considered a semi-official organ of the commune, intimates : First. That 
the sittings of that body will not be public. Second. That there will 
not be a tribune. Third. That there will be no published report of its 
sittings, but only a daily publication of its decrees. To-day the gov- 
ernment of the Commune seems to be fairly installetl. There is no longer 
any "Journal Ofificieldela France," but it appears to-day as the "Journal 
Officiel de la Commune de Paris." This jonrnal makes the ofticial an- 
nouncement that the central committee has remitted its powers to the 
Commune of Paris, and that organization issues an address to the in- 
habitants of the city. It claims, in the first instance, as 1 had supposed 
it would, that the vote of the 26th instant sanctioned the revolution of 
the 18th of March. It denounces the government at Versailles as 
criminal, and proclaims the work it is about to undertake. Already it 
has commenced issuing its decrees, the first of which abolishes the con- 
scription, and declares that no military force other than the national 
guard shall be created or introduced into Paris ; and further, that all 
able-bodied citizens shall be enrolled for service in that body. The 
second decree exemi^ts tenants from the payment of rent for the last nine 
months, and, if perchance any rent has been paid during that period, it 
is to be applied as a credit on future payments. All leases are canceled 
at the will of the tenants for the period of six months from the date of 
the decree. Notices to quit are to be extended on demand of the tenant 
for a period of three months. 

The Journal of the Commune this morning contains an announcement 
of the organization of the commissions of the commune, ten in number, 
and among them is one of foreign relations, of which the somewhat 
notorious Delescluze is the chairman. There is also the ominous com- 
mission of public safety, and then there are the commissions of justice, 
of military affairs, of finance, of subsistence, and what is termed 
the " Commission Executive.^'' Independent of these commissions the 
Paris journal states that a central subcommittee, composed of twelve 
persons, has been formed at the Hotel de Ville. It also says that 
General Cluseret is a member of that committee, and that it will have 
jurisdiction of all accusations of treason against the republic. The 
article published in the Journal Officiel, the organ of the central com- 
mittee, on Tuesday last, recommending all persons to murder the Duke 
d'Aumale and other princes, merely because they belong to families con- 
nected with royalty, did not seem to excite any great degree of horror, 
as people are beginning to look upon all these incitations to violence and 
to murder as matters incident to the present state of things here. 



THE COMMUNE. 173 

The Commuue luay be said to be complete masters in Paris to day, as 
there is no force to oppose them. The barricades are begiuning slowly 
to disappear. The insurgents are getting possession of all the public 
places and public institutions. The general post-ofiHce of Paris has at 
last fallen, and a member of the commune has taken possession of the 
direction of that bureau. The result will probably be that the govern- 
ment at Versailles will not permit mails to come into Paris. I shall not 
intrust anything more of importance to the post-ofdce here. I am sorry 
to say 1 cannot see any improvement in the situation. Matters must 
grow worse from day to day. A placard has already been put up in the 
quarter of Montmartre informing the public that certain commissioners 
have been named to receive the denunciations of citizens suspected to 
be in complicity with the government at Versailles. This is probably 
the commencement of that system of denunciation which, will soon fill 
the prisons of Paris. Mr. McKean was at the prefecture yesterday, and 
found an enormous crowd of well-dressed persons there, all of whom 
were looking for friends who had been arrested and spirited away. 

Colonel Hoffman was at Versailles yesterday, and I shall go out there 
to morrow. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUPviNE. 



No. 192. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

Xo. 404.1 Legation of the United States, 

Paris, March 31, 1S71. 

Sir: I intended to have left for Versailles quite early this morning, 
but on coming down town I learned that all the railroad trains in that 
direction were stopped, and that all the gates of the city were closed. 
1 then sent to the Hotel de Ville to get a pass that would permit me to 
go out and to come into the city. I have received such a pass and leave 
immediately, and will probably return to-morrow night. There is noth- 
ing of great importance this morning, except that we have no further 
post-office facilities in Paris. All the employes of the government left 
last night for Marseilles and carried away everything. All the bureaus 
in the various parts of the city are closed to-day. A sort of service 
may be improvised, but it must be so uncertain and irregular as to be 
of very little value. 

I send the bag to London by a Spanish messenger to night. 
I have, «&c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 193. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

^To. 407.] Legation of the United States, 

Versailles, April 1, 1871. (Received April 17.) 
Sir : I came out from Paris yesterday, and can see no change in the 
situation. The National Assembly is not concerning itself with any- 
thing which has relation with the state of things in Paris. Large num- 
bers of troops are coming in, but the government seem to have no 



174 THE COMMUNE. 

confidence in them, and is apparently awaiting the arrival of these who 
have been prisoners in Germany, upon whom they think they can rely. 
Some of the military men are anxious to take the offensive with the 
troops already in hand. I attended a reception of M. Thiers last night 
at the prefecture, which is now his official residence. It is a new and 
beautiful palace which was occupied by Kiug William while he was at 
Versailles. I found quite a number of gentlemen there, and the con- 
versation between them and the president of the executive powers in 
regard to the crisis was very earnest. I had but few words with M. 
Thiers, and found that he differed with me very materially as to the 
condition of matters in Paris, and he was far more hopeful of a favor- 
able solution of affairs than I supposed any man could be with a full 
knowledge of passing events. Although the trains on the railroad by 
the right bank of the river, from Paris to Versailles, were stopped yes- 
terday, and many of the gates of the city were closed, I found the one 
at the Point du Jour open as I came out in my carriage. I had no oc- 
casion to use the pass given me by the Commune. This place is becom- 
ing more and more crowded, and people are flocking out from Paris in 
great numbers. I sleep on a cot in my legation, and consider myself 
wonderfully well off"^ but when it comes to the question of getting some- 
thing to eat, Mo est opus Mc labor est. The scramble in the restaurants 
would put a western steamboat in the shade in emigration times. After 
a brisk skirmish of an hour, I succeeded in obtaining a plate of soup, 
a slice of cold veal, and a piece of bread for my dinner. The worst of 
it is, one does not know how long this thing is to last; but I. know of 
no other way than to take it as it comes, and to make the best of it. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



^0. 194. 

21r. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 4C8.] Legation of the United States, 

Faris, April 2, 1871. (Received April 17.) 
Sir : I came in from Versailles last night, entering the city by the 
gate of Point du Jour without any interruption. After leaving my home 
to come to the legation, at half past ten o'clock this morning, I had not 
proceeded far when I heard the discharge of cannon, mitrailleuses, and 
musketry. Soon the reports became more and more distinct, and jt was 
quite evident that fighting was going on in the vicinity of the bridge of 
^euilly, about one mile and a half from the legation. A gentleman who 
has just come in from that vicinity says that it was undoubtedly an 
engagement between some insurgent troops, who went out of the city 
last night in the direction of Versailles, and the government forces. He 
was a good way to the front, and several shells burst near him. Find- 
ing themselves opposed, the insurgents beat a hasty retreat, and came 
into town pell-mell by the gate of Maillot, and, in order to be entirely 
safe, they drew up the bridge and closed the gate after them. As I am 
writing this, Antoine, whom I had sent out in search of information, has 
returned, and he re])orts the affair much more serious than I had sup- 
posed ; but in such times of excitement great allowance should be made, 
and one hardly knows what to believe. He talked with many soldiers, 
who had run away from the tight, who told him that several thousand 



THE COMMUNE. 175 

men had left the city hist night to inarch upon Versailles. All acknowl- 
edged that they had been badly handled, some attributing their disaster 
to one cause and some to another. One said they were sent oil" without 
ammunition, and that they were therefore unable to return the fire. Others 
said that they were assured they would meet no opposition from the 
government trooi)S, but on the contrary would be received with open 
arms. Instead thereof they were welcomed " with bloody hands to 
hospitable graves." One thing, however, is quite certain, the insurgents 
have met with a repulse which may x)ossibly lead to important results. 
On going to the Champs Elysees at half past twelve I found a regiment 
of the insurgent national guard had advanced up the avenue and halted 
near the Arc of Triumph. On the other side of the Arc there was an 
immense crowd of people and national guards, all looking in the direc- 
tion where the firing had been going on up to within half an hour. 
While standing there some emotion was created by a few artillerymen 
dashing along with a piece of six, and although they were yelling and 
brandishing their swords they failed to obtain but a feeble acclamation 
as they passed from the crowd or from the regiment of soldiers. The 
most distinct recognition was from an enthusiastic little Frenchman at 
my side, who cried out, " Vive Vartillerie terrihleP'' 

4 p. m. — I have just been into the avenue of the Grand Army and 
found there a dense crowd of excited people, together with some three 
or four thousand insurgent soldiers and thirty pieces of artillery. They 
were undoubtedly expecting another attack from the Versailles troops. 
Twenty prisoners, troops of the line, were marched through the avenue 
while I was there. Many of the people cried out, " Yive la ligne P but 
the soldiers made no response nor evinced any disposition to fraternize. 

In my 404 I spoke of the suppression of postal facilities in Paris. It 
may now be said to be complete except so far as the interior of the city 
is concerned. M. Eampont, the director of the post, succeeded on the 
night of the 30th in removing his department and everything belonging 
to it, as well as all the employes, to Versailles. The government of the 
commune is very furious on the subject, as the interruption of postal 
facilities and all communication with the department is a great blow to 
Paris, and is creating much dissatisfaction. The commune is already 
at loggerheads and the greatest confusion reigns in its councils. Seven- 
teen members have already resigned. I wrote you on Thursday last 
that the Journal Officiel of the Republic had taken the name of the 
" Journal Officiel de la Commune." The next day it resumed its former 
title, without giving any reason for the change either way. I propose 
to send this dispatch under cover to Mr. Moran, by the messenger of the 
British embassy to-morrow morning, that it may be forwarded to you 
by the open mail which leaves London on Tuesday next. 
I have, «&c., 

E. B. WASHBURXE. 



No. 195. 
Mr. Fish to Mr. Washburne. 

[Extract.] 

No. 256.] Department of State, 

Washington, April 3, 1871. 
Sir : Tour No. 389, relating to the protection of American property 
in Paris during its occupation by the Germans, is received and has been 
read with interest. 



176 THE COMMUNE. 

In it you invite my atteution to correspondence that had previously 
taken place between Mr. von Thile and Mr. Bancroft under instructions 
from this department, which were issued in consequence of suggestions 
made by you. 

It also apijears from your letter that notwithstanding the assurances 
given by Mr. von Thile in this correspondence, German soldiers were 
actually billeted on Americans during the short occupation of Paris, 
and that a correspondence had taken place in consequence between 
Count Bismarck and yourself. 

I gather further from your dispatch that the actual disposition of the 
soldiers was made under the directions of the mayor of Paris, who 
appears to have endeavored to relieve his own countrymen at the ex- 
pense of citizens of the United States who have temporarily expatriated 
themselves, and transferred their property to Freuch protection to the 
estimated amount of from seven to ten millions of dollars. 

It would thus appear that the act of billeting the soldiers on Ameri- 
cans w^as committed rather by the French authorities than by the Ger- 
mans ; and that before an answer was received to your representations 
io Count Bismarck the Germans had left Paris. It would also seem that 
the damage which they committed was trifling, and that no American 
has made complaint. The department fully approves of the zeal and 
discretion with which you have watched over the interests of your coun- 
trymen in this matter. It is a subject of congratulation that the facts 
do not call for any further active steps. 



I am, &c., 



HAMILTON FISH. 



No. 196. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

Xo. 410.] Legation of the United States, 

Faris, April 4, 1871. (Received April 17.) 
Sir : It is impossible to arrive at the truth in regard to the fight 
which took place on Sunday last between the insurgents and the Yer- 
sailles troops. It was a singular sight to my family on that Sunday 
morning to watch from the upper window of my residence the progress 
of a regular battle under the walls of Paris, and to hear the roar of 
artillery, the rattling of musketry, and the peculiar sound of the mit- 
railleuses. The result was undoubtedly very unfavorable to the insur- 
gents, but it did not discourage them, for they commenced immediately 
rallying their forces for another attack. Late in the afternoon they 
began their movement, which continued till late into the night, going 
out of the city in different directions. At half past six o'clock yesterday 
morning I was awakened by the cannon at Mont Yalerien, which had 
opened on the rear guard of a large column of insurgents that was on 
its way to Yersailles. The firing caused the guard to retreat into the 
city in indescribable confusion. What has become of that part of the 
column which passed beyond Mont Yalerien is not known, although 
some of the insurgents say that yesterday afternoon it was marching 
victoriously on to Yersailles. Two other columns of troops are also 
said to have passed out, and there was quite a serious fight in the 
vicinity of Chatillon, resulting in the retreat of the insurgents pell-mell. 
The day of yesterday was one of great excitement in the city. The 
national guards were roaming around everywhere, singly, in squads, in 



THE COMMUNE. 177 

companies, and in rooinients. In the afternoon a body of several Ijun- 
drcd women formed at the Place de la Concorde and took up their line 
of march to Versailles, in p()or imitation of those wlio marched upon the 
same place in the time of Lonis the Sixteenth. They paraded up the 
Champs Elys6es and throujj^h the avenue Moutaif^ue. A portion of 
them passecl over the Pont d'Alma, while the others took the route to the 
Point du Jour. Many of them wore the ^^ bonnet rouge,''^ and all were 
singing the Marseillaise. Whenever they met an omnibus they stopped 
it, caused the passengers to get out, and took possession themselves. 
One old woman, sixty years of age, mounted on the top of an omnibus, 
displayed the red flag, and gave the word of command. How far they 
went and what became of them I do not know. It is very curious to 
read the diflerent accounts which are given of yesterday and Sunday in 
the various red journals. Their violence knows no bounds. The insur- 
gent official journal publishes a decree of the Commune impeaching 
Thiers, Favre, Picard, Simon, and Pothuan, and also seizing and 
sequestrating their property. Insurrectionary journals are springing 
up like gourds in the night, and each tries to surpass the other in revo- 
lutionary fervor and violence. If this thing continue it is not unlikely 
that all the papers opposed to the Commune will have to go under. 
Indeed, the "• L' Action," the journal of Lissagaray, of this morning, 
openly demands the suspension, " sans phrase,''^ of all the journals in 
Paris hostile to the Commune. The insurrectionists, who had for one 
of their watchwords "a free press," have suppressed by force the 
"Figaro" and the "Gaulois," destroyed the issues of the "Constitu- 
tionnel," driven out of the city the "L'Electeur Libre," the " Bien 
Public," the "Ami de France," and one or two other journals. A 
very significant note addressed by. the \Commune to the director of the 
Paris Journal, a paper of a very large circulation, appears this morn- 
ing. I will give you the names of some of these new papers that have 
made their appearance since the insurrection of the 18th of March: Le 
Kappel, L'Actiou, Le Pere Duchene, Le Vengeur, Le Mot d'Ordre, 
L'Affranchi, Le Cri du Peuple, La Revolution, La Montague, L'Avant 
Garde, La Commune, La Sociale. 

We have reports of great commotion in the councils of the Commune. 
Assi, who was the head man in the coniite central of the national guard, 
and elected a member of the Commune, is now imprisoned at the pre- 
fecture of the police. Lullier, another member of the comite central, 
"was arrested by his associates in the committee, and also cast into 
prison. He has since escaped, and publishes a letter in which he says 
the depot of the prefecture is transformed into a prison of state, where 
the most rigorous precautions are taken against all the prisoners. The 
official journal of the insurrectionists of yesterday makes the following 
announcement : " Citizen Cluseret is appointed delegate to the ministry 
of war, conjointly with the Citizen Endes. He will enter his duties 
immediately." As I write this dispatch at 3 o'clock this afternoon, to 
send to London to-night by General Starring, everything is quiet in the 
town as far as I can learn, yet a good deal of firing is heard in the direc- 
tion of Meudon. Colonel Hoffman went to Versailles this morning. I 
need hardly add that the greatest uneasiness continues in the city 
among all classes of people. Matters cannot long remain in their pres- 
ent position. It is impossible for Paris to hold out against all France. 
The communal insurrection seems to have been suppressed in all the 
cities of France except Paris. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 

S. Ex. 21 12 



178 THE COMMUNE. 

No. 197. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 411.J Legation op the United States, 

Paris, April 6, 1871. (Keceived April 20.) 

Sir: I have not been to Versailles since Saturday. As I wrote you 
in my No, 410, Colonel Hoffman went thitber on Tuesday last. I in- 
tended to have relieved him before this, but I am reluctant to leave 
Paris in these troublesome and somewhat perilous times. We still 
have here a large number of Americans, and while I hope that they 
may not be molested or have their property injured, yet no one knows 
what may happen from hour to hour. Under such circumstances I 
deem it my duty to remain in Paris as much as possible, going or send- 
ing to Versailles to transact official business with the government there. 

In my last dispatch I gave you an account of the military operations 
up to the date thereof. There has been almost constant fighting ever 
since outside the walls of the city, and in the direction of Versailles. 
The results have been uniformly unfavorable to the insurgents, who 
have lost large numbers in killed and wounded, and a great many pris- 
oners. It seems to be understood that all of their forces are to be 
brought into the city under the pretext of reorganization. The great- 
est discouragement exists among the insurrectionary population of the 
city, and the most desperate things are not only proposed but are be- 
ing accomplished. The archbishop of Paris, Monseigneur Darboy, was 
arrested the night before last and carried to prison, while his palace was 
plundered. One of the employes of the legation has just come from 
there and verifies the fact. The insurrectionary national guard is still 
holding possession of his palace. The Abbe Deguerry, the cure of the 
Madeleine, was also arrested and sent to prison on Tuesday night ; his 
effects were seized, and seals were put upon his papers. Four priests were 
also arrested during the same nignt and carried to Mazas. As you may 
well imagine, the greatest terror prevails among all these people who are 
now being hunted down. Their fate seems hard indeed. All of them re- 
mained here during the siege, suffering unheard of privations of cold 
and hunger, visiting the sick and wounded, and upholding the courage 
of the people of Paris. I am not certain as to what has become of the 
property of the members of the government, seized a few days since by 
order of the Commune, but a gentleman informs me that the house of 
M. Thiers has certainly been robbed, and that he saw placed upon its 
walls " A vendreP I presume it is the same with the houses of all the 
other members of the government. 

There is greater uneasiness in Paris this morning than I have ever 
witnessed. The most sinister rumors prevailed. The Journal Ofhciel 
of the insurrection publishes this morning a most savage decree of six 
articles. The first decrees that every person accused of complicity with 
the government of Versailles shall be imprisoned. The second article 
provides for the institution of a jury to try these parties. The third 
provides that the jury shall act within forty-eight hours. The fourth, 
that all those convicted will be held as hostages of the people of Paris. 
The fifth provides that the execution of any prisoner of war or partisan 
of the regular government of the Commune of Paris will be immediately 
followed by the execution of three of the hostages found guilty by the 
jury. The sixth provides that all prisoners of war shall be brought be- 
fore the jury, which will decide whether to set them at liberty or to 
retain them as hostages. I send you herewith, as cut from the official 



THE COMMUNE. 179 

ionrnal of the insurgents, an address from the Commnne to the citizens 
of Paris, also one of its decrees, a report of General Cluseret, a note of 
Paschal Grousset, memhre de la Commune, dvlegue aux relations exU- 
ricnvf!, addressed " to the representatives of the foreign powers ;" and 
further, a letter of General Bergeret to the executive commission of the 
Commune. Eochefort's paper, the Mot d'Ordre, this morning, takes a 
very discouraging view of affairs. It says that the disasters which have 
befallen the insurgents are the results of the incredible folly which pre- 
sides at all the military operations. He also attacks the Commune with 
great bitterness for the secret deliberations in the silence of the night, 
and earnestly demands that the doings of that body shall immediately 
be made public. 

In my last dispatch I said, if the state of things existing continued, 
it w^as not unlikely that all the papers opposed to the commune would 
go under. My prophecy has since become history, for every paper that 
has been pronounced in its opposition to the Commune has been sup- 
pressed, and we now^ have nothiug but the insurrectionary sheets which 
I mentioned the other day. There should have been added to that list 
two other journals. La Cloche and Le Chatiment. Many Americans have 
called at the legation to-day to i)rocure passports, and to seek advice la 
relation to leaving the city. All the gates of the city are closed, and 
the railroads leaving the south side of the town are also closed. The 
Northern, the Orleans, and the Strasbourg roads are, however, open. 
Their depots are all held by the national guard, and Frenchmen, 
excepting women and children, are not permitted to depart. Foreigners 
have no trouble in getting away on showing their passports. 1 send 
my dispatch-bag over to Loudon to-night, one day in advance of its 
usual time. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



No. 198. 
Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 415. J Legation of the United States, 

Paris, April 8, 1871. (Eeceived April 26.) 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch 
No. 249, under date the 21st ultimo. I am very much gratified to know 
that my official duties have been discharged in a manner satisfactory to 
the President and yourself. For the very kind and cordial manner in 
which you have been pleased to express that satisfaction, I beg to ten- 
der to you my sincere acknowledgments. The testimonial of approval 
of the conduct of Colonel Hoffman is well merited -, and he desires that 
I should express to the President, as well as to yourself, his most grate- 
ful and profound thanks, i duly received the printed copy of the act 
of Congress, making an appropriation to meet the increased expenses 
incurred by the legation at Paris, on account of a state of war between 
Germany and France. As these expenses still continue, and as I pre- 
sume you will not desire two accounts to be made, I shall, unless other- 
wise instructed, defer sending a statement until after I am relieved of 
the protection of the subjects of North German Confederation, and can 
furnish you an account which shall embrace the expenses incurred of 
every kind and description. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



180 THE COMMUNE. 

No. 199. 
Mr. WasJiburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 416.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, April 9, 1871. (Eeceived April 20.) 

Sir: It is one week ago to-day since actual fighting commenced be- 
tween the Versailles troops and the insurgents. The latter still hold 
the forts of Yanves and Issy, but they have no men outside the walls, 
except those who are in these two forts. There has been but little cessa- 
tion of the fighting during the week. The successes have been invariably 
on the side of the government troops, and the Commune forces are now 
strictly on the defensive. On Friday afternoon last the government 
troops attacked the insurgents at Neuilly and carried the barricade ou 
this side the Pont de Neuilly. From that point and Mont Valerien 
they have ever since been shelling a battery of the Insurgents at Port 
Maillot, and a large number of shells have fallen in that part of the 
city in which the Arc de Triomphe is situated, and in which locality a 
great many of the apartments are occupied by Americans. One shell 
fell in the avenue Josephine, half a square distant from the legation, 
and several have burst in the rue de Chaillot, between the legation and 
the Champs Elysees. On going to my house at five o'clock on Friday 
afternoon last I found that three shells had exploded in the immediate 
vicinity, one of them striking within fifty feet of my parlor window. 
Considering it no longer a safe place for my family, I lost no time in 
removing my wife and children to a less-exposed situation. Coming to 
the legation this morning, I saw two shells burst at the Arc de Tri- 
omphe. I do not know how long this business is to continue, but the 
communists are evidently expecting an attack, for they have great num- 
bers of soldiers in all the streets running out from the Chami)s Elysees. 
It is estimated that the losses of the insurgents in the last week amount 
to more than seven thousand. There continues to be a great deal of 
dissatisfaction evinced in regard to the direction of their military affairs. 
General Bergeret, who commanded the army of Paris, is under arrest. 
The Commune has adopted a decree suppressing the grade of general, 
on the ground that such a grade is incomj)atible with the democratic 
organization of the national guard. Cluseret now seems to be the main 
man, and the Journal Officiel of the insurgents of to-day contains three 
orders signed by him. 

Mr. Hoffman returned from Yersailles on Friday evening last, where 
he had been for several days looking after such matters as required 
attention at the legation there. He found much difficulty in going and 
returning. I shall probably send him out again to-morrow instead of 
going myself, as in the present state of things I think it much more im- 
portant for me to remain here than to be at Versailles. 
I have, &c., 

B. B. WASHBUENE. 



No. 200. 
Mr. Washhurne to Count Bismarck. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, April 11, 1871. 
S'E,: Since I had the honor of addressing your excellency on the 
29th ultimo I have sent out of Paris only one hundred and twenty-two 



THE COMMUNE. 181 

families. There are yet remaining about eight hundred. It seems al- 
most impossible for them to get away, as all their eliects of whatever 
nature and descrii)tion are held for their rent or are at the pawnbroker's, 
and even if they possessed anything which they could carry away with 
them, the railroad authorities of the Strasbourg line refuse to take any 
baggage whatever. 

I am paying out small sums of money to those who remain, and shall 
continue to do so nntil there is a change in affairs, or until I receive 
from you instruction to the contrary. 

The authorities of the commune refuse to permit any persons to leave 
Paris Avithout a 1aissez-2)asser. This regulation is for the purpose of re- 
taining all Frenchmen in the city to light against the government at 
Versailles. As still charged with the protection of your countrymen I 
have given a laissez-passer to all who have applied to me, and I believe 
that such passes have been respected by the national guards in all cases, 
for 1 can hear of no German holding one who has been refused permis- 
sion to go out. The hostility to the Germans of which I spoke in my 
letter of the 29th instant, seems to have abated somewhat, and I have 
heard in no instance of violence since that date. It is impossible for 
me to know of the detention of Germans in prison, but every application 
I have made for the release of those whom I have knowii to be in prison 
has been promptly granted. 

While my official residence is at Yersailles, I deem it my duty to re- 
main in Paris most of the time, as I do not know what may hapi)en 
from day to day, and. it is impossible to tell how much the interest of 
my countrymen and the subjects of the North German Confederation 
might be compromised by my absence. 

As I am aware of so little in regard to the operations of the govern- 
ment at Versailles or of what it is intending to do, it is impossible to 
arrive at any definite opinion as to the length of time this extraordinary 
state of things in Paris is to last. Every day's delay apparently ren- 
ders the suppression of the insurrection more difiicult. The appear- 
ances are that a desperate defense is to be made inside the walls. New 
barricades are being put up in various portions of the city. Everything 
is too nncertain, however, to justify speculation as to future events in 
Paris, though I confess I see but little light in the gloom that is set- 
tling around us. 

The government troops around Versailles are now bombarding the 
city in the vicinity of the Arc de Triomphe, and shells have fallen so 
thickly around my residence that I have been obliged to remove my 
family to another part of the city. Several shells have exploded in the 
rue de Chaillot, near my legation. 

I take this opportunity to renew to j'our excellency the assurance of 
my most distinguished consideration. 

E. B. WASHBUPiNE, 

His Excellency Count de Bismarok, 

&c., tj&c, &c. 



No. 201. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 117. ( Legation of the United States, 

Versailles, April 13, 1871. (Received April 27.) 
Sir: I regret to say that I can see nothing very encouraging in the 
present situation here. To be sure they are getting in a good many 



182 THE COMMUNE. 

troops, and the morale of the Versailles army has greatly increased since 
the fighting began, but yet they do not seem to be ready to attack. 
Marshal MacMahon has taken command of the whole army. Large 
preparations are being made, and it certainly cannot be a long time be- 
fore active operations will be commenced. It is my oi)inion that the in- 
surgents are gaining strength every day. It is currently reported here 
to-day that the government troops were worsted yesterday at Neuilly. 
I fear it will be a long time and a bloody time before these terrible 
troubles in Paris are ended. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WAfSHBUENE. 



No. 202. 

Jfr. Washbiirne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 418. J Legation of the United States, 

Faris, April 14, 1871. (Received April 27.) 

Sir : I came in from Versailles late last night after having been there 
three days. Mr. Hoffman relieved me, and will remain there until I 
shall go out again. Upon my return here my impression is strength- 
ened that the power of the insurgents is all the while increasing. In my 
No. 416 I stated it too strongly when I said the insurgents had no men 
outside the city except those in the forts. They have a large force in 
the direction of Neuilly and Courbevoie, and, indeed, they claim to have 
retaken Neuilly from the Versailles troops. Fighting is going on all 
the time. The city has more and more the appearance of a great camp. 
New barricades are being built, and cannon are being placed in new 
positions. The Versailles troops continue the bombardment of our quar- 
ter of the city, and the day before yesterday a shell exploded directly 
over the legation, and, falling, struck the lower portion of the building 
within twenty feet of where I am now writing. The Americans who are 
here are becoming more and more alarmed, and the legation is thronged 
by them from morning to night seeking passports and protection papers 
for their property. I fear I shall have to send ray family away again, as a 
great many of the French people now consider a siege not improbable, 
and already the prices of living have advanced very much. It will be 
four weeks tomorrow since the insurrection broke out, and things have 
been going from bad to worse all the time. It is estimated that three 
hundred thousand people have left Paris in the last fortnight. All per- 
sons are either concealing or carrying away their capital. The sources 
of labor are dried up. There is neither trade, commerce, traffic, nor man- 
ufacture of any sort. All the gold and silver that has been found in the 
churches, and all the plate belonging to the government found in the 
different ministries, has been seized by the Commune to be converted 
into coin. The Catholic clergy continue to be hunted down. The 
priests are openly placarded as thieves, and the churches denounced as 
" haunts, where they have morally assassinated the masses, in dragging 
France under the heels of the scoundrels Bonaparte, Favre, and Trochu." 

A most remarkable decree is just published in the official organ of the 
commune. It is no less than an order to demolish the world-renowned 
column Vendome, in the place Vendome. It is denounced as a monu- 
ment of barbarism, and a symbol of brute force and false glory, a per- 
manent insult cast by the victors on the vanquished, and a perpetual 



THE COMMUNE. 183 

attack on one of tUe great ])rinciples of the French republic : fraternily. 
Hence, tlie decree to raze it to tlie ground. A gentleman just in says 
that the tiring from Mont Valerieu lias completely demolished the insur- 
gent barricades at the Port Maillot, and to-day Mont Valerien is bom- 
barding the Port de Ternes. The Arc de Triomphe has been struck 
twenty-seven times. The splendid hotel of the Turkish embassy, in the 
Place d'Etoile, has been very badly damaged by shells from Mont Vale- 
rien. The apartment of Mr. Pell, of Kew York, at No. 12 rue de Pres- 
bourg, has also been badly damaged. The building in which Mr. Hoff- 
man has his apartment in avenue d'Eylau has been struck four times. 
1 have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 203. 

Mr. von Thile to Mr. Waslihurne. 

[Translation.] 

Berlin, April 17, 1871. 

Sir : I have seen with pleasure, by your letter of the 29th of the past 
month, that you continue with your usual kindness to interest yourself 
in the fate of the Germans living in Paris. Since the receipt of your 
letter I have had purchased at Loudon four drafts to bearer of the value 
of 109,000 francs, 50,000 francs, 19,000 francs, and 3,234 francs 90 
centimes — total, 181,231 francs and 90 centimes; drawn on banking- 
houses at Paris, to enable you to furnish to needy German families, who 
desire to leave Paris, the means of setting out. 

These drafts having been sent to the Imperial Governor-General at 
Soisy, I beg you, sir, to kindly designate directly to Mr. Fabrice the way 
by which they may be addressed to you more securely. 

Receive, sir, on this occasion, the assurance of my high consideration. 

VON THILE. 

jMr. Washburne, lOc, tCc, d:c. 



No. 204. 
Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 420.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, April 18, 1871. (Received May 4.) 
Sir: I have not been to Versailles since I came from there on Thurs- 
day last. Even if the state of my health had not prevented, I should 
have deemed it my duty to have remained here, as there is still a great 
deal to do in the way of protection to the persons and property of our 
countrymen as well as the Germans. The alarm among all classes of 
persons is daily increasing, and nearly every one is leaving, or preparing 
to leave, as soon as possible. There has been a great deal of difficulty 
within the last few days in regard to passports, the insurgent authori- 
ities having refused to recognize our passports unless issued or vised on 
the very day on which it is presented. The applications for passports 
and for certificates of the ownership of the property of Americans, and 
which we call '^ protection papers," have been very numerous in the last 



184 THE COMMUNE. 

few days. The state of things existing here at this time produces strange 
results. By a decree of the Commune, all Frenchmen between the ages 
of nineteen and forty are liable to do military duty, and hence no French- 
man is permitted to go out of the gates of Paris. There are a great 
many people who belong to Alsace and Lorraine between those ages, 
and within the last week no less than four hundred and fifty have applied 
to me for laissez-passers as citizens of the Empire of Germany. On exhib- 
iting to me satisfactory evidence that before the war they were citizens 
of Alsace and that portion of Lorraine incorporated into the German 
Empire by the late treaty, I have not hesitated to give each one a spe- 
cial laissezpasser. 

A case has been brought to my attention today of a Catholic priest, 
a native of Alsace, who has been arrested and cast into Mazas along 
with many of his order. I shall, to-morrow, make an ofhcious applica- 
tion to the Commune for his release as a German subject. Domiciliary 
visits, arrests, and perquisitions are becoming more and more numerous. 
AH refractory national guards are seized and either cast into prison or 
put into the front rank in the attack. Two days ago a very respectable 
man living near the legation was torn from his family, sent to the front, 
and the next day slain in battle. The invasion of houses is no longer 
confined to those of of&cial x>ersons, or of persons particularly obnox- 
ious on account of their relations to the empire. Many private resi- 
dences have already been pillaged, and among them those of the Pereire 
Brothers, and Charles Lafitte, tlie bankers. The house adjoining my 
own residence in the avenue de I'Imperatrice was pillaged on Saturday 
uight last, and even the personal effects of the concierge were carried 
ofl". My own house was probably spared the same fate by my personal 
occupation of it. The invasion and violation of the Belgian legation on 
Sunday last, by a battalion of the national guards, is a fact of peculiar 
gravity. While the official organ of the Commune denounces this act, 
and says that an investigation will be immediately ordered, and the 
accused parties sent before a council of war, the trouble is that the Com- 
mune wields no sufficient authority to punish any outrage or suppress 
any violence. 

There is no knowing what legation will be next invaded. The first 
indication for confiscation of private property on a magnificent scale 
appears in a decree of the Commune this morning. It is a practical 
seizure of the work-shops of Paris, which are to be turned over to the 
various co-operative working societies. The farce is to be gone through 
with a jury of arbitration to fix upon the amount of indemnity to be 
paid to the owners of property. Of course, such owners are not repre- 
sented on the jury, and have no voice whatever in the matter. The 
Commune has adopted a measure fraught with very serious consequences 
to all property-holders in Paris, and of course involving the interests of 
all Americans who are unfortunate enough to hold property here at this 
time. It is the levying of a new tax to go into the coffers of the Com- 
mune. When the time comes around, if it ever do come, for the collec- 
tion of this tax, there will be but few if any Americans here to deter- 
mine for themselves what they will do in the premises. I shall tell all 
that the tax is without the semblance of legal authority and advise them 
not to pay it. What will be the result in all this business, if the insur- 
rection shall not be speedily put down, it is impossible to tell. There is 
no improvement in the situation since the date of my last dispatch. I 
can as yet see nothing that leads me to believe that the insurrection is 
to be speedily put down. All the talk that has been made that some 
arrangement was to be arrived at between M. Thiers and the Commune 



THE COMMUNE. 185 

amounts to iiotliiiif;'. All the concessions which it was signified would 
be made to the insurgents have been spit upon. It is one month today 
since this insurrection broke out, and here we are daily going from bad 
to worse. Day after day passes and nothing is done. ]?aris continues 
to be left at the mercy of the Commune, and now a siege is threatened, 
Avhich, considering the actual situation, can only be contemplated with 
horror. The military situation is not much changed. At Asnicres yes- 
terday the insurgents were badly beaten, but with that exception the 
lighting for the last few days has amounted to but little, although there 
has been a great deal of powder and ball wasted. Direct communica- 
tion with London by the Northern Kailroad is still open, and I hoi)e to 
be able to forward this dispatch to London to-night. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 205. 

Mr. Washhiirne to Prince Blsmarch. 

Legation of the United .States, 

Faris, Ajjril 20, 1871. 

Sir: By a decree of the commune of Paris, all Frenchmen between 
the ages of nineteen and forty are made liable to do military duty, and 
hence Frenchmen within those ages are not permitted to pass outside 
the gates of the city without a special Uissez passer, issued by the Com- 
mune. There are many men in Paris, liable to military duty under that 
decree, who belong to Alsace and Lorraine. Within the past few days 
more than five hundred persons have come to me to demand my protec- 
tion, claiming it on the ground that, since the treaty of peace, they have 
become subjects of the German Empire. As such subjects, they have 
asked of me Jaissezpassers, to enable them to go out of Paris, and on 
exhibiting satisfactory evidence that they were, before the war, citizens 
of Alsace and that portion of Lorraine incorporated into the German 
Empire by the late treaty, I have not hesitated to give each one a special 
pass to leave the city and to repair to his country. As yet, I have heard 
of only one instance where a person holding such a pass from me has 
been refused permission to go out. 

A case has been brought to my attention of a Catholic priest, claiming 
to have belonged to Alsace, who has been arrested by the authorities of 
the Commune and cast into the prison of Mazas, along with many others 
of his order. As soon as I shall receive satisfactory evidence that he is 
an Alsatian, I propose to make an officious ai^plicatiou for his release as 
a German subject. 

I will be glad to know if my actions in these matters meet the ap- 
proval of your excellency. I should be glad to be advised, further, if the 
persons or property of German subjects in Paris (I include citizens of 
Alsace and that portion of Lorraine now a part of the German Empire) 
shall be threatened and my officious intervention shall not be heeded, 
whether I shall wait for communication with you or report the case to 
your military authorities nearest Paris. 

On the 29th ultimo I had the honor to address you in relation to the 
necessity of further funds, if I were to continue to give secours to your 
countrymen now here. 



1'86 THE COMMUNE. 

The money wliicli you placed in my hands having been exhausted, 
and hearing nothing, from you, I have to-day sent you a dispatch on the 
subject, to be forwarded from Versailles. 
I have the honor to be, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 
His Excellency Prince de Bismarck, &c., &c., &g. 



1^0. 206. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

[Extract.] 

'No. 422.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, April 20, 1871. (Eeceived May 4.) 
Sir: In the way in which things go ou in Paris, I am afraid that iu 
writing about them so frequently I may be in danger of repeating myself. 
No one could have supposed when this insurrection broke out, ou the 
18th ultimo, that nearly live weeks would have rolled around without 
any prospect of its immediate suppression. I am certain that I never 
believed that it would fall to my lot to live, with my family, in a city of 
two millions of people in a state of insurrection for such a length of time 
as the present one has already lasted. I should be too happy if I could 
advise you that I could see any prospect of a termination of the terrible 
state of things existing here. ]!^othing comes to us from Versailles, that 
cau be relied on, to show that effective measures are soon to be takeu 
to expel the insurgents from power and to reestablish the authoriy of 
the government in Paris. To be sure, we hear rumors of attack and 
assault in great and overpowering force, and then other rumors of a 
siege; but day after day passes away without particular results further 
hau heating still hotter the blood and inflaming still further the exist- 



* 



ug hatreds and animosities. ***** 
Men in the Assembly and out of the Assembly are becoming impatient, 
yet can effect nothing. There is a great deal of fighting going on, 
always in the same places, that is, in the direction of Asnieres, Neuilly, 
and Courbevoie. The same shelling of the city continues, and beneficial 
results are always wanting to the attacking forces. So far as we may 
be able to judge (and this thing has continued for nearly three weeks), 
but little has been accomplished, for the government troops have not yet 
reached the walls of the city. An attack in force may, however, take 
place at any day, of which you may be advised before this dispatch 
shall reach you. 

An election took place here on Sunday last to fill vacancies in the 
Conamune, and although great efforts had been made to induce people to 
vote, there was a very general and significant abstention. Cluseret was 
a candidate in one of the arrondissements, and out of 21,360 votes 
inscribed, he obtained only 1,968 votes; and yet the Commune, in con- 
tempt of a law that has always been respected, which declares that no 
candidate be elected without receiving one-eighth of all the votes 
inscribed, has declared his election good. The suppression of the jour- 
nals still continues. The Official Journal of the Commune of yesterday 
morning announced that the following papers were suppressed : Le Bien 
Public, La Cloche, Le Soir, L'Avenir National. Two of these papers, 



THE COMMUNE. 187 

however, have appeared to day, in spite of the order of suppression, Le 
Bien Public and L'Avenir National. 

It seems useless for me to speak of the condition of Paris at the pres- 
ent moment. Fortune, business, public and private credit, industry, 
hibor, financial enterprise, are all buried in one common grave. It is 
everywhere devastation, desolation, ruin. The physiognomy of the city 
becomes more and more sad. All the upper part of the Champs 
Elj;sees, and all of tbat portion of the city surrounding the Arc of Tri- 
umph, continue to be deserted, in fear of the shells. In coming from 
my residence to the legation it seems like a city of the dead ; not a car- 
riage, and hardly a human being, in the streets. Immense barricades 
are still going up at the Place de la Concorde. The great manufactories 
and workshops are closed. Those vast stores, where are to be found the 
wonders and marvels of Parisian industry, are no longer open. The 
cafes now close at ten o'clock in the evening; the gas is extinguished ; 
and Paris, without its brilliantly-lighted cafes, with their thronging 
multitudes, is Paris no longer. 

A dispatch-bag arrived from London this morning, bringing Wash- 
ington dates to the 7th and Nevv York papers to the 8th instant. As I 
propose leaving for Versailles to-morrow morning, I shall not have the 
honor of writing you further to go by the dispatch-bag which leaves for 
London to-morrow night. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 207. 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 
[Extract.] 

No. 423.] Legation of the United States, 

Faris, April 23, 1871. (Received May 10.) 
gjjj .****#** 

You are aware that Monseigneur Darboy, the archbishop of Paris, was 
seized some time since, by order of the commune, and thrust into prison 
to be held as a hostage. Such treatment of that most devout and ex- 
cellent man could have but created a great sensation, particularly in 
the Catholic world. On Thursday night last I received a letter from 
Monseigneur Chigi, archbishop of Myre and Apostolic Nuncio of the 
Holy See, and also a communication from Mr. Louoner, Canon of the 
diocese of Paris ; Mr. Lagarde, the vicar-general of Paris ; and Messrs. 
Bourset and AUain, Canons and members of the Metropolitan Chapter 
of the Church of Paris, all making a strong appeal to me, in the name 
of the light of nations, humanity, and sympathy, to interpose my good 
offices in behalf of the imprisoned archl3ishop. I have thought that I 
should have been only conforming to what I believed to be the policy 
of our government, and carrying out what I conceived to be your wishes 
under the circumstances, by complying with the request of the gentle- 
men who have addressed me. I, therefore, early this morning put my- 
self in communication with G-eneral Cluseret, who seems, at the present 
time, to be the directing man in affairs here. I told him that I applied 
to him not in ray diplomatic capacity, but simply in the interest of good 
feeling and humanity, to see if it were not possible to have the arch- 



188 THE COMMUNE. 

bishop relieved from arrest and confinement. He answered that it was 
not a matter within his jurisdiction, and however much he would like to 
see the archbishop released, he thought, in consideration of the state of 
affairs, it would be impossible. He said that he was not arrested for 
crime, but simply to be held as a hostage, as many others had been. 
Under the existing circumstances he thought it would be useless to take 
any steps in that direction. I, myself, thought the Commune would not 
dare in the present excited state of public feeling in Paris to release the 
archbishop. 1 told General Oluseret, however, that I must see him to 
ascertain his real situation, the condition of his health, and whether he 
was in want of anything. He said there would be no objection to that, 
and he immediately went with me, in person, to see the Procureur of the 
Commune ; and upon his application I received from the prefect a permis- 
sion to visit the archbishop freely at any time. In company with my j)ri- 
vate secretary, Mr. McKean, I then went to the Mazas prison, wliere I 
was admitted without difficulty, and being ushered into one of the vacant 
cells the archbishop was very soon brought in. I must say that I was 
deeply touched at the appearance of this venerable man. With his 
slender person, his form somewhat bout, his long beard, for he has not 
been shaved apparently since his confinement, his face haggard with ill- 
health, all could not have failed to have moved the most indifferent. I 
told him I had taken great pleasure, at the instance of his friends, in 
intervening on his behalf, and while I could not promise myself the 
satisfaction of seeing him released, I was very glad to be able to visit 
him to ascertain his wants, and to assuage the cruel position in which 
he found himself. He thanked me most heartily and cordially for the 
disposition I had manifested toward him. I was charmed by his cheer- 
ful spirit and his interesting conversation. He seemed to appreciate 
his critical situation, and to be prepared for the worst. He had no word 
of bitterness or reproach for his persecutors, but on the other hand re- 
marked that the world judged them to be worse than they really were. 
He was patiently awaiting the logic of events and praying that Provi-, 
dence might find a solution to these terrible troubles without the further 
shedding of human blood. He is confined in a cell about 6 feet by 10, 
possibly a little larger, which has the ordinary furniture of the Mazas 
prison, a wooden chair, a small wooden table, and a prison bed. The 
cell is lighted by one small window. As a political prisoner he is per- 
mitted to have his food brought to him from outside of the prison, and 
in answer to my suggestion that I should be glad to send him anything 
he might desire, or furnish him with any money he might want, he said 
that he was not in need at present. I was the first man he had seen 
from the outside since his imprisonment, and he had not been per- 
mitted to see the newspapers, or to haye any intelligence of passing 
events. I shall make application to the Procureur of the Commune to 
be allowed to send him newspapers and other reading-matter, and shall 
also avail myself of the permission granted me to visit him, to the end 
that I may afford him any proper assistance in my power. I cannot con- 
ceal from myself, however, the great danger he is in, and I sincerely 
hope that I may be instrumental in saving him from the fate which seems 
to threaten him. 
1 have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



THE COMMUNE. 18!J 

No. 208. 

Mr. Waslihurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 4l»5. I Legation of the United States, 

Faris, April 25, 1871. (Received May 10.) 
Sir: Though I stated in my dispatch, No. 433, upon whose applica- 
tion it was that I intervened on behalf of the archbishop of Paris, I 
think it better to send you a copy of the letter of his excellency Mon- 
seigueur Chigi,the papal nuncio accredited to the Government of France, 
and also a copy of the letter of the vicar-general of Paris and his asso- 
ciates, both of which were addressed to me, showing the grounds upon 
which they based their request. I have just learned that the British 
embassy was appealed to in this matter, before any application was 
made tome, and that all intervention whatever was declined. Thisaction, 
however, of the English legation, if it had been known to me, would have 
made no difference, for I should have considered myself perfectly justi- 
fied in extending my good offices, officiously, in behalf of a man so 
eminent for his piety and so distinguished for his liberal sentiments and 
philanthropic views as ,the archbishop of Paris, now so cruelly perse- 
cuted. 



I have, &c., 



E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure 1. — Translation.] 
Monseigneur Chigi to Mr. Washhurne. 

Versailles Mantreuil, 
2 Old Church Street, April 18, 1871. 
Mr. Minister and Dear Colleague : Permit me to request you to receive with 
kindness, in quite a coutidential way, four ecclesiastic canons of the Metropolitan 
Church in Paris, who come to implore your protection in behalf of the archbishop, in- 
carcerated by the insurgents in Paris. Permit me to add my entreaties to those of the 
good canons, and to assure you of my deep gratitude for all you may be able to do, and 
to try, at least, to obtain that the life of Monseigneur Darboy be not in danger. 

Ijo pleased, Mr. Minister, to accept the assurance of my high consideration and my 
gratitude. 

FLAVIUS CHIGI, 
Arch, de Mejren, Nonce Apostolique. 



finclosure 2.] 

Mr. MiNtsTEK Plenipotentiary: The sad events which are taking place in Paris 
.lave not failed to attract the attention of your excellency, and, among other deplorable 
excesses which the civil war has caused in this unhappy city, the arrest of monseig- 
neur the archbishop and the principal members of his clergy will have been particu- 
larly remarked by the different representatives of powers, friends to France. 

Taking ground upon this friendship, and upon the good relations that exist between 
the Government of the United States of America and our country, we, the canons and 
members of the Metropolitan Church Chapter of Paris, such that could assemble, take 
the liberty to beg your excellency to be so kind as to interpose your good offices in a 
manner which you may think proper, in order to obtain as soon as possible thedeliv- 
erance of our archbishop, and that the cause of humanity and civilization may cease to 
suffer in his person, doubly resjiectable, as well in his dignity as by his merits, one of 
the greatest infringements which could ever have been inflicted upon him. 

Every political idea, however, being excluded, we place ourselves entirely upon the 
law of nations, and upon the sympathy that such unmerited treatment cannot fail to 



190 THE COMMUNE. 

inspire, and we venture to hope that your excellency may favorably receive our re- 
quest, and that you will give it such results as we may wish. 

In this hope and confidence, we have the honor to be, Mr. Minister Plenipotentiary,, 
your excellency's very humble and obedient servants, 

LOUVEIER, 
Chanome Fenitencier da Diocese de Far is. 
E. J. LAGARDE, 
Vicaire- General de Faris, Archie-diacre. 
En BOUNET, Chanoine. 
L. ALLAIN, Chanoine, Secretaire, 



iNfo. 209. 
Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

[Extracts.] 

No. 427.] Legation of the United States, 

Faris, April 25, 1871. (Received May 10.) 

gjg, . * * * * » * * *r 

Before the Journal Officiel of the Commune had reached the legation 
this morning, Mr. Malet, of the British embassy, called to see me in 
relation to a decree of the Oomfiaune, which appeared iu that paper of 
to-day, by which requisition was made of all the vacant apartments in 
Paris. As this was a matter of great importance to both English and 
American residents, who have furnished apartments in the city, we de- 
termined it was necessary to take immediate steps for the purpose of 
protecting such apartments from being occupied, We therefore ad- 
dressed ourselves to M. Paschal Grousset, the '■'•deUgue aux affaires 
etrangeres.^^ ****** 

He is a man of intelligence, education, and genteel personal appear- 
ance. He received us with genuine politeness, in the same room where 
I had been received by eight or ten different ministers of foreign affairs 
of the regular government. After explaining to him the object of our 
visit, he was very prompt to say that it was never intended that the 
decree should include the apartments of foreigners, though by inad- 
vertence it was not so stated. He said he would have the correc- 
tion made, and that orders should be given that the apartments of for- 
eigners should not be molested ; that if we should hear of any disturb- 
ance of such apartments, belonging either to the Americans or the En- 
glish, and would inform him of the fact, he would take immediate meas- 
ures to have the evil corrected. We thanked him for so promptly and 
so satisfactorily responding to our wishes, and took our leave. * * * 
Erom the foreign office I went in person to the prefecture of police, to 
obtain the discharge of several Germans, one of them a priest, incarcer- 
ated at Mazas. There I found a young man in charge, who very promptly 
complied with my request, and gave me written orders to have them set 
at liberty. Yesterday an American lady called at the legation to beg 
me to interest myself to procure the release from prison of two Sisters 
of Charity (French). This lady was herself a Sister of Charity, and a 
daughter of the late Governor Roman, of Louisiana. The two nuns iu 
prison were her friends, and had been torn away from the convent by 
some members of the national guard, about three or four weeks ago. 
She, of course, felt the greatest uneasiness in regard to their fate. I 
told her that while I could interfere in no way officially, I would, as an 



THK COMMUKE. lUl 

act of friendship to her as au American, call the attention of the author- 
ities to the case of her friends. 1 accordingly mentioned the matter to 
the man in charge of the prefecture, and without hesitation he gave me 
an order for their release also. This I took in person to the depot of 
prisoners at the conciergerio, and, after waiting about an hour to have 
some formalities gone through, I had the pleasure of seeing the two 
sisters safely outside the prison-walls. From the conciergerie, I went 
to Mazas, and there I found no dilticulty in securing the release of the 
three German prisoners, including the priest. I availed myself of the 
occasion of again being in the prison, and called upon the archbishop of 
Paris, taking to him some newspapers and a bottle of old Madeira wine. 
I found him about the same as he was on Sunday, and manifesting the 
same cheerful spirit. 1 was sorry I could not communicate to him a 
favorable change in the situation. * ***** 



I have, &c., 



E. B. WASHBUENE. 



No. 210. 

Mr. Fish to Mr. Washhurne. 

ISTo. 272.] Department of State, 

Washington, April 28, 1871. 

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of the 8th 
instant, No. 413, inclosing the statement of the case of Mr. Albert C. 
Fougen, who claims to be a citizen of the United States, in regard to 
the appropriation and destruction of his property in France by the 
Prussian forces. 

In reply I have to inform you that the Court of Claims, adopting the 
language of my predecessor, Mr. Seward, has decided it to be the law 
and usage of nations that one who takes up a residence in a foreign place, 
and there suffers an injury to his property, by reason of belligerent acts 
committed against that place by another foreign nation, must abide the 
chances of the country in which he chooses to reside, and his only chance 
if any, is against the government of that country, in which his own 
sovereign will not interest himself. Such has been the doctrine and 
l^ractice of the United States and of the great powers of Europe, and 
this government, therefore, cannot intervene in behalf of Mr. Fougen, 
or of any citizen of the United States, under the same circumstances. 
I am, &c., 

HAMILTON FISH. 



No, 211. 

Mr. Washhurfie to Mr. Fish. 

No. 429.J Legation of the United States, 

Farts, April 28, 1871. (Eeceived May 12.) 

Sir : There has been but very little change of situation in Paris since 

I had the honor of addressing you ray last dispatch. The Versailles 

troops have been vigorously bombarding the forts of Issy and Vanves 

for the past two or three days, but they have not yet taken possession 



192 THE COMMUNE. 

of either of tliein. Constant fighting has been going on at Asnieres and 
the surrounding villages since Wednesday, but 1 can hear of no results. 
The applications for passes by the Alsatians and Lorrainers continue to 
be made in large numbers. I have already given more than fifteen 
hundred. Yesterday I ascertained that the authorities of the Commune 
had, from a day or two before, been requiring a visa from the prefecture 
of police for all the laissez-passers I had given, and a fee of two francs 
for each visa. I immediately sent to the prefect to make a remonstrance, 
and he very promptly agreed to waive the formality which requires the 
holder of a pass to appear at the prefecture and pay the fee, and to put 
the stamp of the prefect upon such blank laissez-passers as I might send 
him. 

In ray '^o. 427 I spoke of the interview of Mr. Malet and myself with 
Mr. Paschal Grousset, in regard to the protection of the apartments of 
foreigners. The Journal Officiel of the Commune yesterday contained 
a notice on this subject from Mr. Grousset, a copy of which I inclose 
herewith, and which you will perceive goes as far as any one could ask. 

We are yet in the dark as to the design of the Versailles government, 
so far as regards the reduction of Paris — whether an attempt will be 
made to take it by assault or whether it will be besieged. It will be six 
weeks to-morrow since the insurrection broke out, and the prospect of 
its suppression seems as remote as ever. 

I propose to go to Versailles to-morrow, and to return on Monday. 
While there, I shall endeavor to present my letter of credence to Mr. 
Thiers. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURI!^E. 



No. 212. 
Mr. Wasliburne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 431.] LEaATION OF THE UNITED STATES, 

Paris, May 2, 1871. (Received May 16.) 
Sir : Cluseret, having " strutted his brief hour on the stage," was 
suddenly withdrawn from public view on Sunday night last, having 
been arrested by order of the Commune and thrust into the Conciergerie. 
When his arrest became known yesterday, it produced a great deal of 
excitement in the city. There are various surmises in regard to the 
causes of this extraordinary arrest. The Journal Officiel of the Com- 
mune of this morning says it is on account of his incapacity and his 
negligence, which had compromised the possession of the fort of Issy. 
There is another report that the late " delegate to the war department" 
was concerned in the plot to overthrow the Commune; another, that he 
had sold himself to the Versailles government; and yet another, that 
he was a mere agent of the Orleans faction. At any rate, he is in jail, 
and a report is current to-day that he is to be sent to a military tribunal. 
Mr. Cluseret has been the leading figure in the insurrection for the past 
three or four weeks, wielding an immense power, and I am surprised 
that, having control of the army as he has had, he should have per- 
mitted himself to be thus "taken off." This arrest, together with a 
decree which appears in the insurrectionary Journal Officiel of this 
morning, organizing a committee of public safety, to consist of five 
members named by the Commune, with the fullest powers and respon- 



THK COMMUNE. 193 

sible only to tlio (^oiiumiiie, lias crcalod a greattT fceliiig of tenor in the 
whole, eoitiinuiiiry than anything- 1 have >>een yet. Clnseret is succeeded 
by Colonel llossel, who is a graduate of the polytechnic sohool, and an 
engineer otlicer in the regular army, lie was in the arn\v of the Loire, 
and, 1 believe, was recommended for a brigadier- general, but the ap- 
pointment was not made; whereupon he joined his fortunes to those of 
the Commune. 

It was believed at Versailles, when I left there at 3 o'clock yesterday 
afternoon, that the fort of Issy was taken, but the papers of the Com- 
mnne this morning deny it, and claim that they yet hold it. There are 
indicatioMS of a more desperate energy than I have yet seen. If the 
Ibrt of Issy shall tall into the possession of the governmeut, the forts 
of Vanves and Montrouge must very soou thereafter follow suite. 
When that takes place, 1 think we may expect a breach soon to be 
made in the walls of the city, and an attempt be made to enter. In the 
madness which prevails here, I will not undertake any prediction of 
what will happen in the event of an attempt to take the city by as- 
sault. I found at Versailles yesterday that a more cheerful feeling pre- 
vailed in the military circles, and great confidence was exi)ressed that 
in one week the governmeut would be master in Paris. From what I 
see and know of the situation here, I must say I have great doubts on 
the subject. 

I regret to say that I consider the life of the arclibiahop of Paris in 
the most imminent danger. The report that Prince de Bismarck had 
determined to intervene to save the life of the archbishop, having unfor- 
tunately got out, caused great excitement. On Sunday' last a party of 
the national guards made their way into the prison of Mazas, with the 
avowed purpose of shooting the archbishop. Most fortunately, a mem- 
ber of the Commune made his appearance at the moment, and was able 
to prevent the purpose from being carried out. The regular keepers of 
the prison were very much alarmed, and removed the archbishop from 
the cell which he occupied to another iu a different part of the prison. 
What was prevented on Sunday by the accidental presence of a mem- 
ber of the Commune may happen any day. Having reason to believe 
that General Fabrice is charged by his governmeut to do what he cau 
to save the life of the archbishop, and charged as I am here with the 
l)rotection of German interests, as well as iu the iuterests of humanity, 
I have deemed it my duty to send him a confidential verbal message, 
by a member of m}^ legation, advising him of the present critical posi- 
tion of the archbishop, to the end, if he have any instructions to inter- 
vene, that he may take such steps in the matter as he may deem jproper. 
1 have, &c., 

E. B. WASHED RNE. 



No. 213. 
31r. Washhiirne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 433.] Legation of the United States, 

Faris, May 5, 1871. (Received May 19.) 
Sir: I shall send a dispatch-bag to London to night, but shall have 
nothing of very great importance to communicate to you. Military 
movements under the walls of Paris have been more active for the past 
few days than at any time since the insurrection began, but I cannot 
see that the Versailles troops have made any great headway. After all 
S. Ex. 24 13 



194 THE COMMUNE. 

the talk, the fort of Issy has not yet beeu taken, but I consider it impos- 
sible for it to hold out much longer. The bombardment of all of our por- 
tion of the city, from Mont Valerien and the fortifications atCourbevoie, 
was much heavier yesterday than it had been any day previous. Shells 
came down the Champs Elysees as far as the Palace of Industry. Of 
course I have no knowledge of the plans of the government troops, or 
what the expectation of the Versailles people is at the present moment, 
as to how soon they will be able to suppress the insurrection; but I must 
say now, as I have before said, that I see no immediate prospect of a 
speedy termination of this frightful contest. While the government, for 
six or seven weeks, has been concentrating its troops and gathering 
strength, the Commune has been strengthening itself in a greater ratio. 
With an army of seventy or eighty thousand effective men, well armed 
and equipped, with an abundant supply of cannon of every caliber, and 
of mitrailleuses, with more ammunition than could be consumed in a 
year, with gunboats upon the Seine, with the possession of all the forts 
on the south side of the city, it can well be imagined that it is no small 
job to take Paris at the present time, with its enceinte, and prepared, as 
it has now become, by its interior barricades and defenses, to resist at 
almost every step. And the pecuniary resources of the Commune are 
unbounded, for it holds in its own grasp all the wealth of Paris. It 
only has to make its decrees, to be enforced by the national guard, to 
seize everything of value upon which hands can be laid. It not only 
lays under contribution every source of revenue, but it has now com- 
menced an organized pillage. As I am writing, an Alsatian who has called 
upon me to ask my protection, as being a German subject, informs me 
that night before last some national guards, armed with the authority 
of the committee of public safety, invaded the magnificent hotel of Mr. 
Martin (du Nord), one of the richest manufacturers in France, in the 
rue de Paradis, and carried off everything they could find — furniture, 
plate, jewelry, decorations, &c., &(i. The sole allegation against him 
was that having been a colonel in the national guards, he had left Paris 
and gone to Versailles. As time runs on, these outrages will increase in 
number, and without the warrant of any pretended authority whatever. 
Nothing can be more terrible than the present prospect in Paris, and 
the discouragement of all the better classes has become complete. I con- 
tinue to have the greatest anxiety for the large interests of our coun- 
trymen here, as well as of those Germans who are under my protection, 
and I propose to remain to protect them as long as my services can be 
of any value. The little that is to be done at Versailles at the present 
time can be attended to by Mr. Hoffman as well as by myself, and, as 
the interests which I represent are still so much more important in Paris, 
I have deemed it my duty, disagreeable as it is, to remain here most of 
the time. 

The subjects of Alsace and Lorraine continue to throng the legation 
from morning until night, seeking laissez-passers and protection. The 
number of persons to whom I have given passes now reaches twenty-five 
hundred. I wrote to Prince Bismarck of the action I had taken in this 
regard, and he has directed General Pabrice, in command of the Ger- 
man forces now stationed near Paris, to thank me for what I have 
already done, and to request me to continue to act in the same way. 

I propose to go to Versailles to-morrow and to pass the Sabbath with 
ray family near Rambouillet, and to return here again on Monday. Our 
last dates are, from Washington, April 21, and from. New York, the day 
following. 

I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



THE COMMUNE. 195 

No. 214. 

Air. Washburne to Mr. Fish, 

No. 437.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, May 11, 1871. (Received May 26.) 

Sir: The crisis seems to be really approaching. You will have seen 
the annoancemeut of the capture of the fort of Issy by the Versailles 
troops, and the report this evening is that the fort of Vanves has also 
fallen. The government, havingappareutly completed the preparations, 
is now attacking Paris with great fury. The new and powerful battery 
of seventy two guns of the heaviest caliber at Montretout has beeo 
firing for the past few days on the enceinte, and particularly on the gate 
of Versailles. Large numbers of the government troops have crossed 
the Seine at Sevres, and, through the village of Boulogne-surSeine, 
advanced into the Bois de Boulogne. It is said that they were yester- 
day establishing breaching-batteries at a point not more than two or three 
hundred yards from the ramparts. When a breach shall be made in 
that direction, there will be little difficulty in coming inside of the walls- 
and taking possession of Passy — in fact, of all that portion of the city 
in the neighborhood of the Arc of Triumph. The insurrectionary force 
are said to have been withdrawn from these positions, and the resistance 
that will be made by the insurgents will be in other parts of the city. 
I thought a week ago that the opposition would be greater than I am 
now satisfied it will be. The continued hammering away of the govern- 
ment troops, the surprise andcapture of the redoubt Moulin Sacquet, 
the taking of Fort Issy, and the inevitable fall of the fort of Vanves, 
have created great demoralization in the city. Yesterday was a day of 
panic. The announcement of the capture of Fort Issy, and the extraor- 
dinary letter of Rossel, the delegate at the war department, giving his 
Tesignation (a copy which I send herewith as a sort of historic docu- 
ment), created a great commotion. The desperate wrangles in the Com- 
mune, and the quarrel between that august body and the central com- 
mittee, which were all well known to the public, added to the general 
excitement. 

The members of the committee of public safety, as it was first organ- 
ized, not having met public expectations, were suddenly discharged, and 
five other men of the most desperate character in the Commune (one of 
them being a murderer) were appointed. Eossel, like his predecessors, 
Assi, Bergeret, and Cluseret, was arrested and ordered to be sent to a 
military tribunal. It seems that he was put in charge for safe custody 
into the hands of one of the members of the Commune, and it appears 
to-day that both the prisoner and his keeper have run away. Deles- 
cluze, a notorious agitator, has been appointed to the war department 
in the place of Eossel, and if the Versailles troops do not come in, he may 
run a week before he finds a hospitable shelter within the walls of Mazas. 
Signs of demoralization and discouragement are everywhere visible. 
The national guard is being weakened every day, not only by its losses 
in actual combat and in prisoners, but by vast numbers of desertions. 
Almost every man who has the chance to do so with any degree of safety 
to himself is slipping out of the service, and instead of an army of sixty 
or eighty thousand, as claimed a week ago, I do not believe one-half 
that number can be counted on to-day. A good many think that, in the 
present feeling of discouragement, the government troops could enter 
and retake Paris without any serious resistance j but others, of an equal 
number, look upon a desperate contest and the shedding of a great deal 



196 THE COMMUNE. 

of blood as inevitable. The worse things grow, the more desperate the 
Commune becomes. One of its last acts is a decree for the immediate 
demolition of tlie house of Mr. Thiers. Pillage, under the name of 
*' perquisitions," is the order of the day. All the churches are either 
closed or converted into club-houses. That immense edifice, the old and 
historic church of St. Eustache, has been the favorite i^lace of resort for 
the revolutionary and turbulent population of the central part of the 
city. All the convents have been shut up, and all the priests and a 
large number of the Sisters of Charity have been imprisoned. All of 
the valuables belonging to the churches and to the convents have been 
stolen and carried off. The archbishop is still in prison, and his situa- 
tion is becoming daily more and more dangerous. I am interesting my- 
self ofiicionsly in endeavoring o have him exchanged for Blanqui, who 
is under sentence of death for contumacy for his part in the attempted 
insurrection of the 31st of October last. The Commune has once agreed 
to make the exchange, which Mr. Thiers declined, but the archbishop, 
whom I saw in prison yesterday, thinks he may now agree to it, in view 
of the increasing dangers to which he is exposed. 

In addition to the letter of Eossel, I send you a copy of the procla- 
mation of Mr. Thiers to the people of Paris, and also, as a curiosity, I 
.send you some numbers of the insurrectionary journals published in the 
city. Of the papers I have been in the habit of sending you, all have 
been suppressed except the Siecle. Applications for laissez-passers for 
the Alsatians and German Lorrainers continue to be made in great num- 
bers. We have given two hundred and forty -three to-day, making the 
whole number three thousand four hundred and seventy-four, and " the 
cry is, still they come." 

May 12, 1871. — iSrothing new today of any importance. While the 
fighting continues very fiercely all around, we see no evidence of the 
Versailles troops coming into the city. The insurrectionary Journal Offii- 
ciel of this morning contains a furious address to the people of Paris 
from the committee of public safety, charging treason and corruption in 
the ranks, the first fruit of which was the abandonment of Fort Issy. 
It says that the threads of the dark conspiracy have been discovered, 
and that the largest portion of the guilty have been arrested. It further 
says that while the crime of these men is frightful, their chastisement 
will be exemplary ; that a court-maitial is sitting in permanence, and 
that justice will be done. It is very probable that Cluseret is embraced 
among the " guilty." 

The same journal contains a decree of the Commune, suppressing six 
additional papers, making twenty-one in all that have been suppressed 
by the insurrectionary authority. 
1 have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



1^0. 215. 

Mr. Waslihurne to Mr. Fish. 

[Extracts.] 

No. 41:1.] Legation op the United States, 

Paris, May 16, 1871. (Received June 1.) 
Sir : I went to Versailles on Saturday last, to relieve Mr. Hoffman 
for two or three days, and returned on Monday evening. The situation 



THE COMMUNE. 197 

there seems always to Ue the same. They are continually on the point 
of coming into Paris. It was so four weeks ago, and it was so last 
Monday. The day for the "snpreme effort" evidently draws nigh, but 
1 will have more to say on this subject in a later dispatch. In Paris I 
found there bad been no particular change in things on my return. The 
work of the demolition of the house ot Mr. Thiers in the Place St, 
Georges progresses. The hatred and rage of the Commune against the 
chief of the executive power surpass all bounds. The insurrectionist 
Journal Otllciel of this moruing has anoth<^r decree in relation to the 
subject, providing that all the linen found in the house should be sent 
to the hospitals; that all the objects of art and valuable books should be 
sent to the Bibliotheque and ISIational Museums ; that the furniture 
should be sold at public auction, after being exposed in the sales-rooms^ 
and that the products of the sale should go to the widows and orphan* 
of the victims of the war, and the same destination should also be given 
to the proceeds of the sale of the materials of the house ; and, lastly, 
that " upon the site of the hotel of the parricide should be established a 
public square." Mr. Thiers had lived in this house for nearly half a. 
century, and it was there that he composed his great works and pre- 
pared the speeches which he had delivered at the French tribune, and 
there he had received the most celebrated political persons and savans 
of the age. There he had gathered the rarest works of art, books, and 
manuscripts that were to be found in all Europe. Such vandalism is with- 
out a parallel in the history of civilization. The national convention 
decreed the destruction of the house of Buzot, the Girondist, who had fled 
from Paris after the days of the 31st of May and 2d of June, when the 
convention placed him,amongothers, in accusation, but the destruction of 
the plain home of a deputy, not enriched by associations and historic 
souvenirs, was as nothing to the vandalism exhibited in the demolition 
of the house of the head of the French nation. As I write, 5.30 p. m., 
word comes to the legation that the " Column Vendome " has just fallen. 
Xotice had been given from day to day that it was to fall at a stated 
hour, and immense crowds have been awaiting the moment of its over- 
throw. The Journal OfiBciel of the commune this morning announced 
that it would be thrown down precisely at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, 
and as I drove along the boulevard, at the hea<l of the Kue de la Paix, 
at half i)ast two, the crowd of people collected in that place and in the 
Eue Castiglione was immense. Great numbers in this crowd were hoping 
that this splendid work of art would continue to resist all the appliances 
used to tear it down, until the arrival of the Versailles troops, but by 
far the greater number were waiting with intense anxie..y Ixir the 
moment when it might finally fall before a spirit of hatre<l and revenge 
which could see a tiiumph in the destruction of a work that had excited 
the wonder and admiration of the world. While the authorities of the 
Commune had some time since protested that no Germans remained in 
prison, not a day passes but that it is. made known to me that more or 
less of them are still incarcerated. The whole time of Mr. McKean, 
who acts as my private secretary, is taken up in visiting the prisons 
and procuring the release of these persons. General Fabrice wrote me^ 
a few days since, that four of the Sisters of Charity who were at the 
convent of Picpus, about which there has been so much scandal, were 
Germans, and that they had been arrested and imprisoned, lie de- 
sired that I would have them immediately released. Mr. McKean ad- 
dressed himself to the subject yesterday, and visited the delegate to 
the ministry of justice in relation to it. The delegate alleged that an 
examination disclosed that mnrdfrs liad been committed in the convent, 



198 THE COMMUNE. 

and that those particular sisters, with others, were held until it could 
be ascertained how far they were involved. The delegate in person 
took Mr. McKean to the convent, and explained to hiin the horrors that 
had been there enacted. While there, he saw many things that were suspi- 
cious, as explained to him. He seems incredulous in regard to the con- 
finement of the insane women in the little boxes, about which so much 
has been said, and which has created such an intense feeling. 

The Commune has now commenced its ^^ perquisitions^^ for arms and 
men, taking the city by arrondissemeuts. The national guards, under 
arms, surround the arrondissemeuts, and keep all persons from going 
in or coming out. They then make an entry into each house, and go 
into every apartment and every room. If a door is not opened, it is 
immediately forced by a locksmith, who always accompanies the guard. 
All arms, of whatever nature, are seized and carried off. If a man is 
found, they demand of him ^'•pourquoi n'etes vous pas de la Garde 
Jsfationalef^ If he does not prove that he is a foreigner, or that he does 
not owe service, by reason of age or infirmity, he is dragged away to 
some depot. There he is put into the uniform of a national guard, a 
musket placed in his hand, and then he is at once sent to the front. 

The decrees and action of the Commune are becoming more and more 
outrageous, and I might say ridiculous, every day. One of the last 
performances is a decree providing that every citizen shall be supplied 
with a " carte dHdenfite,^^ glaring his name, age, profession, domicile, &c. 
The manner of obtaining this card is prescribed, and any man who is 
not the bearer of one is to be arrested and kept in arrest until he can 
regularly establish his indentity. It is the duty of all national 
guards to require the exhibition of this card. This decree is in poor 
imitation of 1793, when, during the reign of terror, every person was 
required to have his "certificate of civism." The reason given by the 
Commune for this decree is, that the government of Versailles is seeking' 
to introduce its secret agents into Paris, charged with the mission of 
making an " appeal to treason." The decree has been very badly 
received by the population of Paris, and even the most violent of the 
Commune journals criticise it severely. If it should be attempted to 
carry it into execution, it would tend to put an end to all circulation in 
the city, for every man would be liable to be called upon by some over- 
zealous national guard to show his papers at about every step. 

The suppression of newspapers still goes on. Six or seven have been 
suppressed since my last dispatch. The Siecle, that old republican jour- 
nal, which was the only one left of the papers which you had directed 
to be sent to the Department, is in the last list of those proscribed. A 
new paper appears this morning, under the title of Le Bulletin du Jour, 
and I think it is the Siecle under another name. I send you some num- 
bers of this last. 

Scarcely a day passes without some singular incident. The man who 
commanded the whole of the national guard in Paris on the 18th of 
March, the day of the accomplishment of the insurrection, Charles Lul- 
lier, called at the legation to-day. He is a man of about thirty-two 
years of age, and was, up to within the last two or three years, a lieu- 
tenant in the French navy. He had been traveling in the United States, 
and only returned to France last October. 

In the accomplishment of his purposes to release Germans from prison, 
Mr. McKean has had occasion to meet Mr. Delescluze, the new delegate 
at the ministry of war. He represents him as a most perfect type of the 
Jacobin and revolutionist of 1793. On visiting the war department, he 
found about forty officers awaiting their turn of admission to the presence 



THE COMMUNE. 199 

of tbe delegate, lie sent iu bis Ciird, and was immediately admitted, 
finding Deleschize installed in the same room wiiere we had some three 
or four weeks before seen Chiseret in all the pride of his power and 
authority. There sat Delescluze in the same chair. 

The wranglings and dissensions continue in the Commune. Twenty- 
two of the members have issued a manifesto, charging that tbe body 
has abdicated its power into the hands of a dictatorship, which is called 
the committee of public safety, and declared itself irresponsible, aban- 
doning the situation to the committee. They consequently state that 
they will not again appear iu the Commune until a different state of 
aftairs exists, but will go into the midst of their brothers iu the national 
guard. There is no doubt that the committee of public safety has now 
absorbed about all the jDOwers of the present insurrectionary govern- 
ment, and has become the authority of the Commune greater than the 
Commune itself. A new phase of outrage was developed yesterday. A 
German, who had a shop in the Rue St. Antoine, had gone from the city, 
leaving his goods and effects in the charge of an agent. The agent 
appeared at the legation to-day to ascertain if protection could be given 
to him. The national guard had been to the premises of which he had 
charge and forced an entrance. He immediately sought a member of 
the Commune, to protest against this outrage, saying that the proprietor 
was a foreigner, and that his property was entitled to be respected. 
The answer was that the property of no man, either a Frenchman or a 
foreigner, who had left Paris, had any right to be respected, and would 
not be, but that it would be confiscated to the Commune. Satisfying 
myself that the owner of the shop was a German, who had a right to 
claim my protection, 1 gave a paper certifying to that fact, and stating 
that the property, being that of a foreigner, was entitled to be respected 
and protected; and, further, I informed the agent verbally that he might 
tell all persons who proposed to interfere with the property, that if any 
damage were done I should deem it my duty to inform General Fabrice 
of the fact, and he undoubtedly would take all measures necessary in 
the case. I have no opportunity to send to London to-night, and shall 
therefore retain this dispatch to go by the bag which 1 shall send out on 
Friday night next. 
1 have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



No. 216. 

Mr. Washbiirne to Mr. Fish. 

jSTo. 444.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, May 19, 1871. (Received June 1 ) 
Sir: When I had the honor to address you my No. 437, under date 
of the 11th instant, 1 felt certain that before another week should roll 
around the Versailles troops would enter Paris. There was great de- 
moralization in the city and among the national guard, and it seemed 
to me that if the government had attacked with any energy, its troops 
would certainly have been inside the walls before this time. Such, 
however, is not the case, yet the fighting for the past few days around 
the entire south side of the city has been very furious. Day by day 
passes and we see no troops of the line yet iu Paris. The fort of Vanves 
was captured from the Commune on Sunday last, and Moutrouge must 



200 THE COMMUNE. 

be at the end of its defense. Confusion increases in Paris; the com- 
mune is torn by intestine dissension, but yet the city is held, not so 
much, in my judgment, by the uiilitary strength of the insurrectionists 
as by the weakness of the attacking party. It seems impossible, how- 
ever, for this condition of things to continue much longer. The insur- 
rectionary authorities are more desperate than ever. In an official com- 
munication this morning, they say the committee of public safety is de- 
cided to blow up Paris and bury every one under its ruins ratiier than 
capitulate. Of course this is all wild talk, but it shows to what straits 
they feel themselves reduced. 

1 need not tell you how rejoiced I shall be when peace returns to this 
distracted and unhappy city, and when we shall have a more quiet state 
of affairs. The pressure upon the legation continues. As I am the 
only chief of a mission who remains in Paris, my good offices are sought 
for every hour of the day, not only by our own countrymen, but by people 
of other nationalities, who have an idea that I can be of some assist- 
ance to them. The Alsatians and German Lorrainers continue to come 
to seek my protection in increasing numbers. I reach the legation at 
quarter past 8 o'clock every morning, always to find a crowd of them 
assembled there. More than two hundred are now waiting in the street 
under my window, to receive their Iaisse:s-2yassers. The whole number of 
passes issued hy me now amounts to four thousand four hundred and 
fifty. As each case requires a special examination, to ascertaiu whether 
the party seeking protection is entitled to it, by virtue of his having 
become a German subject, you cau well imagine the amount of labor 
that is involved. I have ten persons employed in this service not mem 
bers of the legation. When the treaty of peace shall have been defi-" 
nitely ratified at Versailles, I hope that Prince de Bismarck will sen 
diplomatic representative here to relieve me. 

The committee of public safety publishes a decree this morning sup 
pressing ten more papers, and forbidding the publication of any new 
journals during the war. tSeveral of the newspapers suppressed this 
morning have been supporters of the commune. 1 believe that every 
paper published in Paris before the insurrection, excepting " La Verite,'^ 
has been suppressed. Since I commenced writing this dispatch, I have 
again visited the archbishop, to communicate to hiiu that it was impos- 
sible to effect his exchange for Blanqui. I am sorry to say I found him 
very feeble. He has been confined to his pallet for the last week with 
a kind of pleurisy; is without ai)petite, and very much reduced in 
strength. He is yet cheerful, and ap[>areutly resigned for any fate that 
may await him. 

I have just learned that the treaty with Germany was ratified by the 
national assembly at Versailles jesterday, almost unanimously. 
I have, &c., 

P. B. WxiSHBDE^^E. 



~:^o. 217. 

General Falriee to Mr. Washhv.rne. 

SOTSY, May 10, 1871. 
SiE: I am infoimed that four German nuns, Sisters Perpetua, Fred- 
erica, Maximilienne, and Ludovica, have been arrested, 35 Ruede Picpus, 
by order of tlte municipal authorities. My informant states that an 



THE COMxMUNE, 201 

English mill, who has been arrested at the same time, was since set free 
in consequence of steps taken by the British embassy. 

Perhaps your excellency may be able to learn at the house where 
the arrest is said to have taken place how far the above statement is 
authentic, and, eventually, what prisons the four nuns have been brought 
to. In case the municipal authorities should hesitate to set them free 
at once, at your excellency's request, I beg to be informed of the fact. 
1 am, sir, your excellency's obedient servant, 

FxVBRICE. 

His Excellency E. B. Wasiiburne, 

(fee, tC'c, tf'c. 



No. 218. 
General Fahrice to Mr. Waslihiirne. 

SoiSY, May 15, 1871. 

Sir : I gratefully acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th 
instant. I should feel deeply obliged if you would obtain the release of 
the four German nuns in St. Lazare without delay. 

General Schlotheim's letter to you was based upon a mistake which 
has been, by this time, rectified. I beg that you will henceforth be so 
good as to direct either to me or to ray diplomatic successor all answers 
to inquiries coming from other German authorities. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your excellency's obedient servant, 

EABKICE. 

His Excellency E. B. Waseburne, 

ttc, cfec, cOc. 



No. 219. 

Mr. Waslihurne to General Fahrice. 

Legation of the CJnited States. 

Maij 20, 1871. 

General : I have the pleasure to inform you that after a good deal of 
trouble and delay the four German nuns you wrote about on the loth 
instant have been released. At the same time I procured the release 
of seven others, also imprisoned at St. Lazare. Tliey have all left the 
city furnished with my laissezpassers, and 1 trust they are all now out 
of harm's way. 

There is some hesitation on the part of the Commune authorities about 
releasing a Mr. Bosch, a German, and two or three Alsatians, who belong 
to the gendarmes. I hope, however, they will be released very soon 
If not, I may have to address you further on the subject. 

General Schlotheim never addressed any letter to me; a member of 
the commune authorities brought to me a letter from the general, mak- 
ing inquiries in regard to the Germans in prison in Paris, and he 
wished me to answer it to say that all such Germans had been released. 

The condition of things has grown worse and worse dailv. As I am 



202 THE COMMUNE. 

writing my vservaiit comes in to tell me that the national guard has 
come to invade my house, declaring they will not respect my diplo- 
matic character. AH the houses in the neighborhood have been pillaged. 
I have the honor, &c., 



General Fabrioe, 8oisj. 



E. B. WASHBURNE. 



1^0. 220. 

3ir. WasJihurne to Mr. Fish. 

No. 445.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, May 22, 1871. (Received June 7.) 
Sir: The day of the 22d of May will become an important era in the 
history of Paris and of France. It was nine weeks on Saturday last 
since the insurrection broke out, and those weeks have run wearily on 
in the expectation that every week would be the last. I returned to my 
lodgings last night at about eleven o'clock, and had heard nothing and 
could see nothing that showed any change in the situation. But it now 
appears that at half past three o'clock yesterday afternoon the first divis- 
ion of the army of the reserve, commanded by General Verge, entered 
the gate of St. Cloud, which is on what is called the " route of Ver- 
sailles." A breach had been made at that point, but I am informed that 
it was not the expectation of the regular troops tliat they could enter at 
that time; butthey pressed forward, and finding butlittle opposition, they 
were soon within the walls. The national guard retired very slowly, and 
such was the state of things existing, and so loose was the military 
organization of the Commune, that it was not known until into the night 
that the Versailles troops had passed the enceinte. The Commune was 
reposing in fancied security, and it was not until after midnight that they 
were advised as to the full extent of what had happened. Then was there 
"hurrying to and fro," the tocsin was sounded all over the city, the gene- 
rale was beaten, orderlies dashed furiously in every direction, but all to 
no purpose. The national guard becoming demoralized, began to retreat 
hastily before the advancing forces. The entrance into the city having 
been made at the Porte de St. Cloud, the consequence was that the 
Commune troops that had been guarding the enceinte, and all the gates 
from that of St. Cloud clear round to the Porte des Terues, found them- 
selves taken in the reverse, and by four o'clock this morning they had 
abandoned all their positions and fled to the interior of the city. The 
gates of Auteuil, Passy, and La Maette, being then left undefended, the 
troops of the line began pouring in through all of them. It was not un- 
til six o'clock this morning that I heard of what had taken place. My 
servant came to tell me that the troops were in, and that the tricolored 
Jiag floated on the top of the Arc de Triomphe. I hurried into the street 
and saw for myself the flag flying from the scaffolding supporting the 
machinery which had enabled the insurgents to draw up and plant upon 
the top of the arch five pieces of cannon. By this time, the head of the 
column advancing into the city and passing along the right bank of 
the Seine, by the Cours la Reine, was vigorously attacking the Place 
de la Concorde. At the same time another column crossing the avenue 
of the Champs Elysees, near the Arch, was marching in by the avenue 
de Friedland and down the rue Faubourg St. Honore. At about nine 
o'clock the insurgent batteries at Montmartre began shelling the Place 



THE COMMUNE. 203 

d'Etoile, and soon inaiiy shells fell in tlie immediate neigbltorhood of 
the legation, but fortunately we received no damage. The fighting has 
continued all day about the Place de la Concorde, and it does not seem 
that the Versailles troops have gained much ground. At three o'clock 
this afternoon, accompanied by a friend, I took a ride along all those por- 
tions of the ramparts which have been bombarded by Mont Valerien, 
the great battery at Montretout, and the several breaching batteries. 
We passed around from the Porte de Dauphine, which is so near my 
residence, to the Porte of St. Cloud. I was at my house for the first time 
for two weeks, and found it but very little injured. Two pieces of shell 
had entered, and besides the breaking of considerable glass, there was 
no material damage. Some houses in the vicinity received many shells, 
and several of them have been pillaged. My servants who lived in the 
cellar were enabled to keep out the brigand national guards, although 
they made one or two serious demonstrations. 

In going from the Porte de Dauphine, which had not been very se- 
verely bombarded, to the Porte de St. Cloud (more generally known as 
the Point-duJour), we passed the gates of La Muette, Passy, and Au- 
teuil. Breaches had been made at all of them, and the destruction of 
property inside the enceinte has been immense. Nothing could live 
under the terrible fire of Mont Valerien and Montretout. An English 
military man told me he thought the battery of Montretout was the 
most powerful battery the world had ever seen. Never have I seen 
such a "wreck of matter" 5 guns dismounted, their carriages torn to 
pieces, barricades leveled, and buildings entirely demolished. We 
saw along the line of the ramparts many dead bodies of the national 
guard, several of them in a state of decomposition. The firing was so 
dreadful that it had been impossible to get them away. Returning 
from the Point-du-Jour into the city, we saw additional troops com- 
ing in, and the streets of Passy were crowded with them. It is esti- 
mated that from eighty to one hundred thousand troops of the line 
will be in the city before to-morrow morning. In all our part of the 
city they have been received with unbounded joy by the few people 
remaining. The citizens are congratulating each other that they are at 
last delivered from the oppression and terror of the last two mouths. 

As I write, at ten o'clock at night, the fight seems to be going on as 
furious as ever at the Place de la Concorde. I shall continue this dis- 
patch tomorrow, and shall hope to be able to send it over to London 
to-morrow night. 

Tuesday MORNma, May 23, 1871. — It seems difficult to get at any- 
thing reliable this mfloruing. The fight continues, and always in the same 
neighborhood. The firing was terrific all last night. Shells from Mont- 
martre were continually falling in our quarter, but it is extraordinary 
how little the damage has been. We can see from the top of the lega- 
tion building that the red flag, that hated emblem of assassination and 
pillage, anarchy and disorder, still flies from the Tuileries and from the 
ministry of the marine. The insurgents are evidently making a des- 
perate resistance. 

A gentleman has just come to the legation who proposes to leave at 
noon to-day for Loudon. I therefore close this dispatch suddenly to 
send by him. I send also a telegraphic dispatch to be transmitted to 
you from London to-morrow. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUKNE. 



204 THE COMMUNE. 

Xo. 221. 

ilir. Waslil)urne to Mr. Fish, 

Legattun of the United States, 

Faris, May 23, 1871. (Eeceived JuDe 7.) 
Sir : On the otber page I have the honor to send you a copy of a 
telegraphic dispatch, which I send to London to-night to be transmitted 
to you trom there by Mr. Moran. 



I have, &c., 



E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure.] 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, May 23 — yioon. 
Fish, Washington: 

Desperate lighting for thirty-sis hours. Still continues. Versailles 
gains ground slowlv, but surely. 

WASHBUJRNE. 



Xo. 222. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

:N"o. 418.] Paris, May 21, 1871. (Received June 7.) 

Sir : My narration of the prodigious events which have been trans- 
piring in Paris since Sunday last closed at noon of yesterday. As it was 
impossible to reach those parts of the city in which the lighting was 
going on, I only knew that the contest was raging with unparalleled fury 
in the central portion of it. At half past live or six o'clock of yesterday it 
was evident that an immense tire had broken out at the chancellerie of the 
legion of honor. Soon we saw the smoke arising in other parts of the 
city, showing but too plainly that the terrible threats of the Commune 
of a general conflagration had commenced to be carried out. I was at 
the headquarters of Marshal MacMahon, at Pass^^, at about nine o'clock 
in the evening, for the purpose of soliciting the sending of troops at the 
earliest moment for the release of the archbishop of Paris and other 
hostages in the prison of Mazas, and there I was told by an officer ot 
the staff that the palace of the Tuileries was on hre. On my return I 
could discover nothing, and I hoped that he had been mistaken. At one 
o'clock this morning f was awakened by a friend, who told me that the 
palace was all in flames. I hurried to a position from which I had a fall 
and complete view of the tire. It was a starlight night, calm and 
beautiful. An insurgent battery, which had been for twenty-four hours 
shelling our part of the town, was still sending its bombs into the im- 
mediate neighbor hood of the legation every fifteen minutesi. The roar 
of other cannon, the '■'- crepitemenP^ of the mitrailleuses and the sharp 
rattling of the chassepots fell upon the still of the night. The lurid 
flames rising from the burning palace ligiJted up half the heavens, and 
the whole scene was the most terrible I had ever witnessed. To the 



THE COMMl'NE. ' 205 

firo of tlie Tnileries wcro added other conflagrations, tlie miuistry of 
finance, the bnildings of the rue Koyal, and other lircs which seemed 
just started. At one time it appeared to those of ii^ who were Avatch- 
ing: tlie projzress of the conflafiration that the " Hospital des Invalides" 
was certainly on tire, but as the night wore on, daylight disclosed its 
gilded dome intact, and we discovered, to onr great gratification, the fire 
was a short distance beyond in the same direction. At five o'clock this 
raorning 1 sent a messenger to Versailles with a telegraphic dispatch for 
you in regard to what had taken place. Coming to the legation at nine 
o'clock, 1 heard thatthe Versailles troops had caj)fuied the strong po- 
sititms ar the Place de la Concorde and the Phice Vendome. I at once 
took my carriage and proceeded in that direction, passing down the 
boulevard llaussman to the Place St. Augnstin, and the Caserne Pepiu- 
iere. I'ln' insurgents had occupied the Caserne, and were driven out 
after a light of about two hours, but it was at the foot of the boulevard 
Maleslierbes, behind the JMadeleiue, and at the junction of several streets, 
that the insurgents had strong barricades ; in fact, the key of their posi- 
tion was there, for if the Versailles troops could once i)ass that point 
they could easily take the great barricades in the rue Koyale, the rue 
(le Rivoli, and the Place Vendome, in the reverse, and here the most 
desperate lighting took place for a period of nearly thirty-six hours. 
The r,eighborhood presented a most dreadful api)earance this morning. 
The sidewalks of the splended boulevard Malesherbes were tilled with 
horses, baggage- wagons, and artillerj^-carriages. . The houses had been 
more or less torn with shot and shell; the trees were all cut to pieces by 
the fire of the artillery and musketry, and their branches filled the street. 
A dead national guard was lying in an excavation for a celler near by. 
In a small open space in the next street were the bodies of two soldiers of 
the line, who had been summarily shot as deserters. Proceeding farther, 
I reached the front of the church of the Madeleine, at the head of the rue 
Eoyale, and many of the buihlings of that great thoroughfare were iu 
flames, and others seemed literally to have been torn in pieces by the 
tire of the cannon and musketry. Going farther up the boulevard Cap- 
ucines, I found many of the buildings completely riddled, and upon the 
sidewalk was a dead national guard, and in a side street, a short distance 
from there, yet another dead body of the insurgent guard, peoi)le pass- 
dug by and looking on them with apparent satisfactiou. I went to the 
Place Veudome, wliich had been evacuated during the night, and there 
for the first time saw the great column lying in the position iu which it 
had fallen. The insurgents had not time to remove the bronze, which is 
now to be made use of in the speedy restoration of the column ; the na- 
tional assembly having decreed that it shall at once be restored. The 
Place de la Concoi'de was evacuated at the same time, the insurgents 
retreating in the direction of the Hotel de Ville and up the rue Lafayette. 
From the Place Vendome I went to the rue de liivoli, ahd proceeded 
cautiously toward the Tuileries, under the arcade. The Tuileries budd- 
ing was still burning, and the flames were bursting out iu a part of 
the building where they had not before reached. It seemed that it would 
be impossible to save the Louvre, but I hear, as I write, that its preser- 
vation is secured, with all its treasures of art and its historic interest. 
During the entire afternoon the fires have been raging in many direc- 
tions, and from the legation the sound of battle can be distinctly heard, 
but it is almost impossible to procure any reliable intelligence in regard 
to what is taking place. Most certainly something more detinite can be 
.ascertained in the morning. 

Thursday, May 25.— When 1 closed my dispatch last night it was 



206 THE COMMUNE. 

fire and battle. It is the same this morning. There were frightful 
burniugs all the night. The great Hotel de Ville, with all its traditions 
and souvenirs of history, exist no longer. The cour des comptes, the 
court of cassation, the prefecture of police, and the celebrated old 
prison of the Conciergerie, have shared the same fate. All has been the 
work of organized incendiarism, and the insurrectionists have done 
everything in their power to destroy Paris. If the entry of the troops 
had been delayed much longer, they would certainly have succeeded. 
The Commune had already made " perquisitions " for all of the petro- 
leum in the city, and prepared petroleum-boxes and other means of firing 
the place. Bands of men, women, and children were organized to do 
this diabolical work. During the past two days immense numbers of 
these persons have been detected in distributing these boxes, and in 
every case the most summary vengeance has been inflicted upon them, 
without regard to age, sex, or condition. An employe of this legation 
counted this afternoon, on the avenue d'Antin, the dead bodies of eight 
children, the eldest not more than fourteen years of age, who had 
been seized while distributing their incendiary boxes, and shot on the 
spot. The state of feeling now existing in Paris is fearful beyond de- 
scription. Passing events have filled the whole population opposed to 
the Commune with horror and rage. Arrests are made by the whole- 
sale, of the innocent as well as the guilty. Lastnight four Americans — 
two gentlemen and two ladies — innocent as yourself of all complicity 
with the insurrection, were seized, while dining at a restaurant, and 
marched through the streets to one of the military posts. They sent 
word to me as soon as possible of their arrest, and I lost no time in 
going to their relief. I addressed myself to General Douai, who, upon 
my statement, immediately ordered their release. He expressed much 
regret at what had happened ; but said that, in the existing excited 
state of feeling, it was impossible to prevent the arrest of innocent per- 
sons; that if, unfortunately, the arrest of any other Americans occurred, 
they would be immediately released upon my application, unless charged 
with crime for which they could be justly and legally held. I went 
down in the city this afternoon to see for myself what was the progress 
of events. Very little has been done toward putting matters into shape 
in the parts of the city already captured from the insurgents. The bar- 
ricades everywhere remain. The fire was still raging in the rue Roy- 
ale. The ministry of finance is completely consumed, with every record 
and paper ; a loss that is utterly incalculable. The insurgents having 
been driven beyond the Place de la Bastille, I was able to go much far- 
ther than I went yesterday. I passed up the rue de Rivoli by the smok- 
ing ruins of the Tuileries, and had the inexpressible pleasure of seeing 
for myself that the Louvre, with all its untold and incalculable treasures, 
had been preserved. As 1 continued up the street, it seemed as if 1 were 
following in the track of an army. Reaching the Hotel de Yille, I found 
the neighborhood had all the appearance of an intrenched camp. Im- 
mense barricades were on every street leading into the square. But I 
am told that the insurgents abandoned it without a fight, finding them- 
selves upon the point of being hemmed in. But before leaving, they 
applied the torch to that pile so interwoven with the history of Paris 
and of France, and the pride of all Frenchmen for centuries gone by. 
Now there was nothing but a mass of smoldering ruins. Two squares 
of magnificent buildings on the lower side of the Place de I'Hotel de 
Ville had also been destroyed. It was, indeed, a sad sight to behold. 
There was a regiment of the troops of the line on the quay, but scarcely 
another soul was to be seen in the entire neighborhood. Eight dead 



THE COMMUNE. 207 

bodies of the insurgents, partially consumed by fire, lay on the ground 
right in front of what was the main entrance into the building, and pre- 
senting the most horrible appearance, and sad sights everywhere. At 
the Phice de I'Opera, I saw some five hundred prisoners, men, women, 
and children, who were being driven to Versailles. There was a squad 
of cavalry marching in the front and in the rear of them and foot sol- 
diers marching on either side. I must say they were the most hideous 
and sinister-looking persons I ever saw in the whole course of my life. 
The sight of the prisoners excited the people to the highest pitch of 
indignation, and every opprobious epithet was heaped upon them, and 
the escort alone prevented violence irom being inflicted upon them on 
the spot. An officer told me this afternoon that the order was to shoot 
every man taken in arms against the government. I do not vouch for 
the truth of what he told me, but 1 do know that large numbers of the 
national guard and many others, caught in some criminal act, have been 
summarily executed. I have had great fears that the Prussian embassy 
might be burned. I learned to day that suspicious persons were lurking 
about the premises, and I immediately addressed a note to Marshal 
MacMahon, advising him of my ap])rehensions, and asking him to detail 
a guard to protect the building. He answered me promptly that my 
request had been complied with. It is with no small degree of satisfac- 
tion that I am able to inform you that during all these horrible excesses 
in Paris for the past ten weeks no material damage has been done to 
the property of Americans, neither to the property of the (rermans, 
with whose interests I still continue to be charged. Some few Ameri- 
cans have been arrested, but all were immediately released on my a[)pli- 
cation. As I have written you before, the number of Germans and 
Alsatians whose release from prison I have obtained is quite large. 
Among the last persons to be released were eleven German nuns, who 
had been seized at the convent of Picpus. 

After being set at liberty, they came to the legation in a body to thank 
me for my efforts in their behalf. What I feared most was the robbery 
of our countrymen under the pretext of taxes. Many demands for the 
p^ayment of taxes to the Commune had been made upon Americans, but, 
as 1 have before advised you, I told all who consulted me on the subject 
not to pay, but take the chances. However, the machinery for collect- 
ing these taxes had just been got ready, and the day of the 2otl» instant 
was the time it was to be put into operation. Armed with mandates 
from the committee of public safety, the national guards would have 
gone everywhere, and demanded the payment of a certain sum as a tax 
upon all apartments, houses, business establishments, &c. If the amount 
was not paid by the proprietor, or, in his absence, his agent or concierge, 
the most valuable things would have been seized and carried off. You will 
see, therefore, that the entry of the Versailles troops on the 22d was just 
in time to prevent this organized pillage. The only newspaper I have 
been able to get since the entry of the troops is "Xa Ferine," two copies 
of which I send you, the last number appearing Wednesday morning, 
although dated to-day. No paper has ai)peared to-day, as far as I can 
learn, except a little sheet called the Constitution, which is out this 
evening. There is not an omnibus running in the whole city, and scarcely 
a cab can be found. No persons, except such as have a diplomatic char- 
acter, or their bearers of dispatches, are permitted to leave Paris. I 
have not time now to speak more fully of the scenes of carnage, fire, and 
blood of which Paris has been the theater for the last four days. They are 
without parallel in all its history. What took place on the days of July, 
1830, when Charles the Tenth was overthrown ; the days of February, 1848, 



208 THE COMMUNE. 

wlieii Louis Philippe was chased from the throne, and the subsequeut 
days of the insurrection in June of the same year, was mere child's play 
as compared with the events of the present week. The fighting has 
been long, desperate, and persistent. The insurgents have fought 
at every step with the fury of despair. Even as I write, at the hour of 
midnight, the contest is not yet ended, for I hear the booming of the 
cannon beyond the "Place de la Bastille." The government troops have 
displayed great bravery, and have never for a moment recoiled before 
the formidable and deadly barricades of the insurgents. They have 
shown the spirit of the old i>ench army. 

Friday noon. May 2G, 1871. — The fighting is still going on this fore- 
noon in the remote parts of the city, and new fires have broken out. I 
have no news of the fate of the archbishop of Paris, but the general 
belief is that all the hostages have been shot. The Prussian embassy 
is all safe and intact. My messenger for London is waiting, and I must 
close this dispatch. 
1 have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



JSo. 223. 

Mr. Hoffman to Mr. FisJi. 
[Extracts.] 

1:^0. 451.] Legation of the United States, 

Versailles, May 20, 1871. (lieceived June 14.) 

Sir: I do not know whether Mr. Washburne, who is at Paris, will be 
able to send a messenger today to London as usual. Very strict orders 
have been given to permit no one to pass the gates. I think it well, 
therefore, to inform you, that when I last heard from the legation, on the 
•evening of the 21th, that part of the city in which it is situated was per- 
fectly tranquil and safe. The offioe had been struck by a shell, but no 
one had been hurt. According to the last reports from Paris, the insur- 
tection is now confined to Belleville and to Port d'lvry. Everywhere 
else it h:is been crushed, and in the strongholds referred to it can hold 
out but a few hours. The vandalism of the insurgents in destroying 
the publii; buildings they could not hold has never been equalled in his- 
tory. Happily the Louvre and Bibliotlieque Rationale, the most valua- 
ble of them all, have been saved. The Tuileries, the Hotel de Ville, 
and others of inferior historic interest, have perished. 

Petroleum is now the madness of the hour. Quiet housekeepers are 
stopping up the vault-openings in the pavement, on the ridiculous pre- 
text that bands of women are roaming through the streets pouring 
petroleum into the vaults and then setting fire to it. 

You will, no doubt, receive full information from Mr. Washburne of all 
that is passing in Paris as soon as the gates are open. It is expected 
that this will be in a day or two, and that early next week trains will be 
running to and from Paris as usual. 
I am, &c., 

WIOKHAM HOFFMAX. 



THE COMMUNE. 20^ 

No. 224. 

Mr. Washburne to Marshal McMahon. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, May 25, 1871. 
Sir: I would be glad if you could send some persons from your head- 
quarters to look alter the safety of the Prussian legation, No. 78 rue 
de Lille. I am advised at this moment that several suspicious-looking 
people have been seen about there, and I fear that it may be fired. 
Very respectfully, &c., 

E. B. WISHBURNE. 

His Excellency Marshal MacMahon, 

Duke de Magenta. 



No. 225. 

Mr. Washburne to General Douai. 

Legation of the United States, 

Faris, May 31, 1871. 
Sir : The guardian of the Prussian embassy, Mr. McKean, will hand 
you this. He is fearful there may have been made in the embassy, 
during his absence, when driven away by the Commune, some deposits 
of petroleum and, i^erhaps, of arms. I would be pleased, therefore, if 
you should consider it in your line of duty to detail an officer, and, if need 
be, some men to go with him to visit the premises ; and also that you 
will furnish a guard for the neighborhood of the embassy until com^Dlete 
quiet shall be restored. 

I have the honor, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE, 
Minister of the United States, 
charged with the Protection of the Gtermans, &c. 
General Douai, 

Commanding. 



No. 226. 
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish, 

No. 455.J Legation of the United States, 

Faris, May 31, 1871. (Received June 16.) 
Sir : After an insurrection of seveuty-one days, such as has never 
been known in the annals of civilization, Paris was finally delivered on 
Sunday, the 28th instant ; the last positions held in the city by the 
commune having been taken, and their last troops captured at four 
o'clock on the afternoon of that day. Some of the insurrectionary troops 
had gone into the fort of Vincennes, but being surrounded by General 
Vinoy, they surrendered unconditionally^ the next day, Monday, the 
29th. The reign of the Commune for ten weeks, pursuing its career of 
murder, assassination, pillage, robbery, blasphemy, and terror, finally 
S. Ex. 24 14 



210 THE COMMUNE. 

expired in blood and flame. I find it impossible in the limits of a dis- 
patch to give yon a detailed history of the events of the last few days. 
If you look over the Paris journals I send you herewith, you will find 
fuller and far more satisfactory and interesting accounts of things than, 
it would be possible for me to write to you. * * * 

The incredible enormities of the Oommune, their massacre of the 
archbishop of Paris and the other hostages, their countless murders 
of other persons who refused to join them in their fiendish work, their 
horrid and well organized plans of incendiarism intended to destroy 
almost the entire city, and which resulted in the destruction of so many 
of the great monuments of Paris, are crimes which will never die. * * 

On Sunday evening last, at about eight o'clock, intelligence came to 
me that an American lady. Miss Herring, the keeper of a boarding- 
house on the boulevard Haussmann, had been arrested. At about five 
o'clock in the afternoon, when she was out of her house with two of her 
boarders, Mr. and Mrs. Crane, of New York, it was a,lleged that a shot 
had been fired from the building. On returning to the house they found 
it in the possession of soldiers and surrounded by a mob. On my arriv- 
ing there the crowd had partially dispersed and a perquisition had been 
made in the house. Nothing, of course, was found, and upon my expla- 
nations in regard to Miss Herring, she was discharged from arrest. 
At this juncture, Mr. Carter, an American merchant, and the father of 
Mrs. Crane, went into an adjoining street to bring home the nurse and 
the young child of his daughter. Descending to the door to return to 
my lodgings, I observed in the street, a short distanee away, a very large 
crowd uttering vociferous yells and coming in the direction where I 
stood. To my utter amazement I saw that this mob had fallen upon Mr. 
Carter, and were following him with the cry ^' A mort!" ^^Amort!^^ 
Fortunately for him there were some officers near by, who sprang to his 
rescue and saved him from an immediate and terrible death. While all 
this was going on he was separated from the nurse and child of his 
daughter. When the daughter saw her father barely escaping with his 
life from the crowd without bringmg her child, she naturally became 
almost frantic, and with the courage belonging only to a mother, she 
seized an officer by the arm and marched with him directly into the 
mob. In a few minutes, to our inexpressible joy, we saw her return 
with her child and her nurse. I mention these cases as cases out of 
hundreds, which have been happening every day and every hour of 
every day, as exhibiting the inhuman and devilish spirit which has pre- 
vailed here. 

I telegraphed you of the sad fate of the archbishop so cruelly shot as 
a hostage on Wednesday evening, the 24th instant, at the prison of La 
Eoquette. I had become intensely interested in that venerable and ex- 
cellent man. I presume mine was the last friendly face he ever beheld 
except those of his companions who were shot with him. I saw him at 
half past four or five o'clock last Sunday afternoon. I had been to see 
him on Friday and found him so feeble that I thought I would go again 
on Sunday to see how he was. The Versailles troops had already entered 
the gate of Saint Cloud, on the other extreme of the city, bat of course 
no one knew it where we were. The national guard delegate to the 
prison was drunk and everything was very disagreeable inside. They 
would not let me enter the cell of the archbishop, as I had been in the 
habit of doing, but insisted that he should come out, to see me in 
the corridor. I regretted thajt, for I knew how weak and feeble he was. 
He soon came out looking very badly, but with the same pleasant coun- 
tenance and the same warm thanks. I told him I was sorry I could 



THE COMMUNE. 211 

brino- birn no news, but that I bad felt so anxious about bis health that 
1 had come to see bow he was. He replied that he was a little better. 
We talked of the situation and of the probabilities of the speedy deliv- 
ery of Paris. I told him I thought the end was near and that 1 hoped I 
should soon have the pleasure of seeing him at liberty. He replied that 
I was always so amiable and so kind, and that if it were the will of God 
that he should be spared it would be his greatest pleasure to tell the 
world of all that I had done for him. But I observed that he was sad- 
der and more depressed than I had ever seen him, and I think be had 
a i)rescience of his coming fate. 

Friday, June 2, 1871. — There has been a marv^elous change in Paris 
■within the last two or three days. While ingress and egress have been 
very difficult, and egress almost impossible up to the present time, the 
-whole city is alive with people. The smoldering fires have been extin- 
guished and the tottering walls pulled down. Nearly all the barricades 
have disa])peared. They were everj^where in incredible numbers and 
strength ; in the boulevards, in the avenues, on the by-streets — every- 
where. 

I have been in all parts of the city since the close of the bloody con- 
flict. Yesterday afternoon I made my last round, going to Belleville, 
Pere la Chaise, La Villette, Place de la Bastille, &c. I visited the cele- 
brated prison of La Koquette. It was to this prison, that the arch- 
bishop of Paris was removed from the prison of Mazas and I was curious 
to ascertain in regard to his last hours. Everything relating to the 
fate of this illustrious man must excite the deepest interest. By the 
courtesy of the officer in charge and of one of the old guardians of the 
prison, I was shown into the cell where the archbishop had been con- 
fined. Tbe cell was even smaller than the one at Mazas, but higher up, 
better lighted, and more cheerful. He was taken from this cell a little 
before eight o'clock on Wednesday evening, the 24th ultimo. The cure 
of the Madeleine, the Abb6 Deguerry, the Senator Bonjeau, and three 
other distinguished hostages were taken from their cells in the same 
prison at the same time, into tbe court of the building, and all were 
placed against tbe wall, which incloses the somber edifice of La 
Eoquette. The archbishop was placed at the head of the line, and tbe 
fiends who murdered him, with their knives had scratched a cross 
upon a stone in the wall at the very place where his head must have 
touched at the moment when the fatal shots were fired. He did not fall 
at the first volley, but stood erect, calm, and immovable. Before tbe 
other discUarges came which launched him into eternity he crossed 
himself three times u|)on his forehead. Tbe other victims fell together. 
The marks of the bullets, made upon the wall as they passed through 
their bodies, were distinctly visible. The archbishop's body was after- 
ward mutilated, his abdomen being cut open. All the bodies were 
then put into a cart and removed to Pere la Chaise, which is but a few 
squares off, where they were thrown into the common ditch, from which 
they were happily rescued before decomposition had entirely taken place. 
Eeturning from La Eoquette, I came by the " Archeviche," where the 
body of the archbishop was lying in state. He was so changed that 
I should scarcely have known him. Thousands and thousands of the 
people of Paris were passing through the palace to look for the last 
time upon him who was so endeared to them by his benevolent acts, 
his kindly disposition, and his love of the poor and the lowly. In all of 
the six or seven interviews I had with the archbishop in the prison, 
except the last, I always found him cheerful, and sometimes even gay, 
and never uttering one word of complaint. No man could be with him 



212 THE COMMUNE. 

without being captivated by his cheerful and Christian spirit and en- 
lightened conversation. The archbishop was learned, accomplished, and 
eloquent, and was a most liberal man in his religious and political sen- 
timents. He met his fate with the firmness of a Christian martyr, and 
all generous hearts will join in a tribute of mourning. 

The losses of the insurgents have been fearful. Their entire military 
force has been either killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. The losses 
of the government troops are not known. Those of Douai's corps (one 
of the four corps who entered the city) are said to amount to forty offi- 
cers and six hundred men killed and wounded. The number of prison- 
ers of the government, soldiers as well as people charged with complic- 
ity with the Commune, is estimated at forty or fifty thousand, but this 
may be exaggerated. Arrests continue to be effected in great numbers, 
and where the thing is to end no one knows. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUENE. 



No. 227. 

Mr. Wasliburne to Mr. Fish. 

Iso. 469.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, June 21, 1871. 

Sir : As a part of the history of the times, I have the honor to send 
you herewith a copy of a letter written by General Fabrice to the author- 
ities of the Commune, in relation to the threatened invasion of my house 
by the insurrectionary national guards of Paris, and also copy of the 
reply of Paschal Grousset. This correspondence has been placed in 
my hands by Count Waldersee, the new charge d'affaires of the Ger- 
man Empire at Paris. I send copies both in French and English. The 
history of the matter is this: 

On Saturday, the 20th ultimo, about eleven o'clock in the morning, 
when I was writing a letter to General Fabrice on a matter of business, 
my female servant came rushing into the legation in a state of great 
terror and excitement, saying that the national guard had come to in- 
vade my house. She refused to open the doors, telling them that it 
was the residence of the American minister. They then became quite 
violent and said they would no longer respect my diplomatic character, 
and if they were not let in they would go at once and seek some more 
of their number and return and force an entrance. In the mean time 
the servant (having asked a neighboring concierge to take charge of 
the house, in her absence) started for the legation to advise me of 
what had happened. I immediately sent Antoine, the messenger of the 
legation, to the house with instructions to hold possession if possible 
until I could send word to the Commune authorities. At the same mo- 
ment I sent a messenger to Paschal Grousset to demand protection, and 
he lest no time in sending it. It arrived before the soldiers had effected 
their entance, and my house was saved from pillage. 

In concluding my letter to General Fabrice, I wrote as follows : "The 
condition of things here grows worse and worse daily. As I am writ- 
ing my servant comes in to tell me that the national guard has come 
to invade my house, declaring they will not respect my diplomatic 
character. All the houses in the neighborhood have been pillaged." 
It seems that on the reception of my letter General Fabrice telegraphed 



THE COMMUNE. 213 

the Prince Bismarck, theu at Frankfort, in regard to the matter, and 
the result was the correspondence inclosed. Grousset's letter to the gen- 
eral is dated on the 22d of May, the day of the commencement of the 
heavy fighting. 1 never received from him any such letter as he re- 
fers to. 

I have felt under very great obligations to the German authorities for 
the very prompt and emphatic measures taken in this matter, and I 
have thought you might deem it proper to make some acknowledgment 
through Mr. Bancroft. 



I have, &c. 



E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure 1. — Translation.] 
General Fabrice to Mr. Grousset. 

SoiSY, May 21, 1871. 

The German Governmeat was informed yesterday, May 20th, that certain national 
guards had invaded the house of the minister of the United States of America, declar- 
ing that they did not care for his diplomatic character. 

This act, showing a total disregard of the rules of the laws of nations, raises an inter- 
national question. The right to demand satisfaction for this outrage belongs equally 
to all governments ; but for the German Government this right becomes a duty, inas- 
much as the minister of the United States has, during both the sieges of Paris, had the 
kindness to charge himself with the protection of German interests in that city. 

In consequence the undersigned calls upon the chiefs of power in Paris to deliver up 
immediately to the German military authorities the national guards who have been 
guilty of the violation of the residence of Mr. Washburne. 

In case satisfaction should not be given within twenty -four hours by the surrender 
of the guilty into the hands of the advanced posts at St. Dennis, the German Govern- 
ment reserves the right to take further measures in the premises. 

In the name of the Chancellor of GermanJ^ 

DE FABRICE. 



flnclosure 2. — Translation.] 

Mr. Grousset to General Fabrice. 

Commune of Paris, French Republic, Committee of Public Safety, 

Paris, Maij 22, 1871. 

Sir : In answer to your letter of May 21, relative to the legation of the United States, 
the undersigned has the honor to make the following statements: 

Notified on the 20th May, toward noon, of the presence at the legation of the United 
States of several national guards, ignorant of diplomatic rights and immunities, the 
undersigned immediately sent one of the employes of this delegation with a formal 
order to cause the sacred rights of a neutrial residence to be respected, and to bring the 
guilty before a court-martial. The moment they received notice of this order they 
fled in all directions, without its being possible to recognize them. 

The undersigned consequently finds himself unable to punish an act which he form- 
ally condemns. All the representatives of the foreign powers who have been in rela- 
tion with him can prove this. 

He has only been able to express to Mr. Washburne all his regrets and all his indig- 
nation in a letter addressed on the 20th of May to the legation of the United States. 

He can only renew the expression of these regrets and of this indignation to the 
German minister whom Mr. Wash1>urne temporarily represented. 

The delegate of the Commune to foreign relations. 

PASCHAL GROUSSET. 
General de Fabrice, 

Minister of the German Empire at Readq^tiarters, Soisy. 



214 THE COMMUNE. 

No. 228. 

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish. 

"No. 467.] Legation of the United States^ 

Paris, June 15, 1871. (Received June 29.) 
Sir : Lieutenant-Colouel Count Waldersee, the new charge d'affaires^ 
for the German Empire near the French government, arrived in Paris 
yesterday, and to-morrow will relieve me of the duties which I have dis- 
charged for the past eleven months, as connected with the protection of 
German subjects in France. He brought with him a letter from the 
Prince Bismarck, a copy of which I inclose herewith. I shall have the 
honor, at a subsequent time, of addressing you another and further com- 
munication upon this subject. I will only say that I feel great satisfaction 
in being relieved from the duties I have performed in this connection. I 
hope now to be able to leave for Carlsbad by the last of the present 
month. 

I have the honor, &c., 

E. B. WASHBUJRNE. 



[Inclosare.] 

Prince Bismarck to Mr. WasJiburne. 

Berlin, June 13, 1871. 

Sir : I have the honor to inform your excellency that, in order to restore the regular 
diplomatic intercourse between the German Empire and French Republic, I have ap- 
pointed Lieutenant-Colonel Count Waldersee, the bearer of the present letter, charg6 
d'affaires at Paris, preparatory to the nomination of a representative of His Majesty 
the Emperor, 

His Majesty has commanded me to convey to your excellency the grateful acknowl- 
edgment for the zeal and kindness you have devoted to the interests of the German 
residents under circumstances of extraordinary difficulty, and with corresponding 
sacrifice of time and personal comfort. I beg to add the reiterated expression of ther 
sense of obligation I shall ever preserve for the uniform promptness and courtesy I 
have experienced from you in a business connection of nearly a twelvemonths' dura- 
tion. 

With sentiments of the highest consideration, I have the honor to be your excel- 
lency's obedient servant, 

BISMARCK. 



No. 229. 

Mr. Washburne to Prince BismarcTc. 

Legation of the United States, 

Paris, June 19, 1871. 

Sir: I had the honor to receive your letter of the 13th instant by the 
hands of Lieutenant-Colonel Count Waldersee. On the 17th instant I 
turned over to him the archives of the Prussian legation, which had been 
committed to my charge in the month of July, 1870. On the same day I 
surrendered up my charge connected with the protection of your coun- 
trymen and their interests for the period of eleven months. I shall send to 
Mr. Yon Thile, with whom I have already corresponded on the subject, a 
full account of the moneys received and disbursed by me during the 
time I have been charged with your interests. 



THE COMMUNE. 215 

I beg leave to thank you for conveying to mo tlie acknowldgemeutg 
of His Majesty in respect to the services I have been able to render to 
your government during the time I have had the honor to act in its be- 
half. I beg your excellency to believe that the services I have been able 
to render have been given with a hearty good-will, and I am gratified to 
know that they have been satisfactory to the royal government. I shall 
ever cherish the pleasantest recollections of our official relation during 
the most extraordinary period of modern times. 
I have the honor to be, &c., 



E. B. WASHBURXE. 



His Excellency Prince de Bismarck, 



No. 230. 
Mr. Washhurne to Mr. Fish. 

]S"0. 473.] LEaATION OF THE UNITED STATES, 

Faris June 29, 1871. (Keceived July 13.) 
Sir: As connected with the history of the insurrection and of the 
tragic fate of the archbishop of Paris, I have the honor to send you 
herewith, to go into the archives of the department, a copy of all the 
correspondence and papers in regard to the imprisonment of the arch- 
bishop, and the measures taken to obtain his release. 
I have, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure 1.] 

ArcJiMsJiop Chigi to Mr. Washburne. 

Versailles, Montreuil, 2 Bue de la Vielle iSglise, April 18, 1871. 
Sir and my Dear Colleague : Permit me to request you confidentially to receive 
kindly ttie four ecclesiastical canons of the metropolitan church of Paris, who come to 
beg your protection in favor of their archbishop, imprisoned by the insurgents at Paris. 
Permit me to join my prayers to those of these good canons, and to assure you of my 
great gratitude for all that you think you can do to endeavor, at least, to obtain that 
the life of Monseigneur Darboy shall run no danger. 
Receive, «&c., &c. 

FLAVIUS CHIGT, 
ArcJibisTiop of Myre, Apostolic Nuncio. 



Sir : The sad events which are passing in Paris have not failed to attract the atfcen 
tion of your excellency. Among other deplorable excesses to which civil war has given 
birth in this unhappy city, the arrest of monseigneur the archbishop, and of the prin- 
cipal members of his clergy, has been particularly remarked by the diife rent represent- 
atives of the powers friendly to France. Relying upon this friendship and on the 
good relations which exist between the governments of the United States of America 
and our country, we, canons and members of the matropolitau chapter of the church 
of Paris, who have been able to meet together, take the liberty to beg your excellency 
to have the goodness to interpose your good ofifioes, in such manner as you shall judge 
best, to obtain the deliverance of our archbishop as soon as possible ; that the cause of 
humanity and of civilization may cease to suffer in his person, doubly respectable by 
his dignity and his merits — one of the greatest injuries lie has ever received. 



216 THE COMMUNE. 

No political object beiog connected witli this step, and placing ourselves solely on 
the ground of the laws of nations, and of the sympathy which so undeserved a treat- 
ment cannot fail to inspire, we dare to hope that your excellency will receive our 
movement favorably, and that you will do in this connection all that we could desire 
In this hope and this confidence, we have the honor to be, &c., &c., &c., 

E. J. LAGAEDE, 
Vicar-General of Paris, Archdeacon. 
EN. BONNET, 

Canon. 
L. ALLAND, 

Canon and Secretary. 
LOUVRER, 
Canon Penitentiary of the Diocese of Paris. 



Republic of France, 

Paris, April 23, 1871. 
Prefecture of the Police. — Cabinet of the Secretary- General. 

(Seen the 23d April ; 25th April ; 9th May, and 10th May, 1871.) 

We, member of the commune, civil delegate to the exprefecture of police, authorize 
the citizen Washburne, minister of the United States, and his secretary, to communi- 
cate freely with the citizen Darboy, archbishop of Paris. 

RAOUL RIGAULT. [seal.] 
Examined May 9, 1871. 

The chief of the division. 

EDWARD ERNAUD. [seal.] 



flnclosure 2. 1 

Mr. Washburne to Archbishop Chigi. 

Paris, April 24, 1871. 
My Dear Colleague : I came into Paris Saturday night, and that very evening I 
airanged to meet one of the head men of the Commune yesterday morning, at 9 o'clock. 
I cannot do better than to send you an account of what was done, which I have written 
to my government. I send you, therefore, inclosed herewith, and confidentially, a copy 
of a dispatch I sent to Washington last night. Alter reading my dispatch I will thank 
you to inclose it to me, No. 7 rue de Mademoiselle, Versailles. I inclose herewith also 
a letter from the archbishop to the Abb6 Lagarde. I shall hope to see you further in 
regard to the archbishop -vshen I shall next be in Versailles. 
Very truly, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



finclosure 3.1 
Archbishop Darboy to Mr. Washburne. 

I beg the minister of the United States to accept my thanks for the kind visit he has 
had the goodness to make me in my prison, and to send the inclosed letter to its desti- 
nation by his secretary, who is going to Versailles. 

The address of the person to whom it is written will be found through his excellency 
the apostolic nuncio, or the bishop of Versailles. If the person to whom the letter is 
addressed has already started for Paris, the secretary of the minister can desti'oy it, or 
bring it back on his return to Paris. 

G. DARBOY, 
Archbishop of Paris, from the prison of Mazas, April 2"^, 1871. 



finclosure 4.] 

The Papal Nuncio to Mr. Washburne. 

Confidential.] Versailles, Montreuil, April 25, 1871. 

Sir and Dear Colleague : Truly I do not know how to thank you for all that you 
have had the kiuKiness to do to aid the worthy archbishop of Paris. You have done 
more than I could have hoped, notwithstanding the confidence with which I was 



THE COMMUNE. 217 

nspired, knowing the sentiments of hnmanity and of pity of your heart, and the gen- 
«ron8 nation you represent so wortiiily in France; and I am sure that the steps you 
will take with the men into whose hands lies the fate of the Archbishop, will not fail to 
produce the most favorable result which it is possible to hope for under jiresent cir- 
cnmstaucea. 

I have read with great interest, and with sentiments of profound gratitude toward 
yourself, sir, the dispatches you have had the kindness to communicate to me in confi- 
dence and with reservation, and I hasten to send them back herewith, with all my 
thanks to the legation of the United States at Versailles, according to the direction iu 
your honored letter of yesterday. 

Colonel Hoffman has informed me that you will soon be at Versailles, and I have 
begged him to inform me of your arrival, that I may, without delay, call to express to 
you all my gratitude and my respect. 

In the mean time please accept, for the present, the renewed assurance of my senti- 
ments of gratitude, aud of the distinguished and affectionate consideration with which. 
I am, &c., 

FLAVIUS CHIGT, 
Archbisliop of Myre, Apostolic Nuncio. 



[Inclosure 5.] 

ArchMshop Darioy to Mr. JVashhurne. 

April 28, 1871. 

I beg his excellency the minister of the United States to receive the homage of my 
respect, and to have the goodness to send the inclosed letter to Versailles. 

The address of Mr. Lagarde, in case the represeutative of his excellency does not 
know it, can be found either at the residence of the nuucio or at the episcopal palace 
at Versailles. 

Q. DARBOY, 
Archbishop of Paris. 



finclosure 6. J 

ArchMsJiop Darhoy to Mr, JVashhurne, 

At Mazas, April 28. 
I beg his excellency the minister of the United States to receive the homage of my 
respect, and to have the goodness to permit me to have recourse to his kindness to 
send the inclosed letter to Versailles. 
I shall be verv grateful to him for it. 

G. DARBOY, 
Archbishop of Paris. 

The address of Mr. Lagarde is, without doubt, known to the representative of Mr. 
Washburne at Versailles. 
In any case it can be had from the Nuncio, or from the bishop of Versailles. 



[Inclosure 7.] 
Memorandum of the Archbishop of Paris. 

" It is not known precisely what answer Mr. Thiers has given to the proposition made 
to him for the release of Blanqni, with a view to obtain in exchange the release of the 
archbishop of Paris, and of four or live persons held like him. The vicaire-general 
Lagarde, who went to Versailles to attend to this matter, has sent here only vague and 
incomplete reports on the results of this step, but as he does not return, it is believed 
that all hope of success is not lost. 

"In default of precise information, it is conjectured that the government fears that it 
will appear to be treating with the Commune, if ib accepts the proposed exchange, and 
in addition, possibly regards the liberation of Blanqui as dangerous, in the midst of the 
present excitement. Now, parties who are interesting themselves either for Mr. Blan- 
qui, or for the archbishop, desire earnestly that the following considerations should be 
submitted to Mr. Thiers, who will appreciate them in his wisdom and humanity, and 

S. Ex. 24 15 



218 THE COMMUNE. 

it is believed they would have great weight if ijresented to Mr. Thiers by his excellency 
the minister of the United States. 

" The question is not between the Conamune and the government, but between the 
government and the parties above mentioned. The latter have arranged that the arch- 
bishop, and four or five other prisoners, to be designated by Mr. Thiers, shall be sent 
to Versailles, if they can have the assurance that Mr. Blanqui will receive his liberty. 
This assurance is to be guaranteed verbally by the minister of the United States, he 
being verbally authorized by Mr. Thiers. As to the liberation of Mr. Blanqui, instead 
of ordering it officially, would it not be possible to accomplish it by allowing him the 
facility to escape, with the understanding, of course, that he will not be retaken unless 
it be for the commission of some new offense? In this manner the government would 
Lave nothing whatever to do with the Commune, some one, apart from the Commune, 
"would receive the assurance given by Mr. Washburne, and all would be arranged. 

" There could' be no serious danger in liberating Mr. Blanqui, even in the present 
condition of things. 

''The resistance of Paris is a military resistance entirely, and the presence of Mr. 
Blanqui could add nothing to it. 

" The political and social ideas which are rejiresented by the Commune are not in 
themselves, nor in their application, those of Mr. Blanqui, and if he should associate 
himself with the Commune it would pot be a bond of union between the members 
which compose it, but rather a new element of discord. 

"At all events it does not appear that a settlement of the present conflict will be 
brought about through the political or social theories or policy of the Commune, but 
only by the force of arms. It could therefore be no embarrassment if Mr. Blanqui were 
set at liberty, even though he should return to Paris. Whether he would do so or not 
is nnknown. 

"If it were known precisely for what reasons Mr. Thiers hesitates to act favorably 
upon the proposition of exchange which has been submitted to him, it might be possi- 
ble to attenuate their force, and bring him perhaps to a better conclusion. Besides, 
he should not remain in ignorance that the life of the archbishop is seriously menaced. 
In saving him, Mr. Thiers, we believe, would give great satisfaction to the French 
clergy, and particularly to the episcopate." 

Memo. — Written in the prison of Mazas, May 10, 1871. 

E. B. W. 



[Inclosure 8.1 
The Papal Nuncio to Mr. WasKburne, 

Versailles, Montreuil, May 12, 1871. 

Sir and Dear Colleague : Mr. McKean handed to me this morning the letter you 
did me the honor to address to me yesterday, as well as the copy of the memorandum 
written by the archbishop of Paris, and I also received only a few days ago, through 
the post-office, and much behind time, the other letter which you also had the kindness 
to write me on the 29th of April, to which were joined two letters of M. Darboy for 
the Abb6 Lagarde, to whom I handed them immediately. This morning I sent confi- 
dentially to Mr. Thiers the memoir of the archbishop, and I have begged of him a con- 
fidential reply, that I may send it to you to be delivered to M. Darboy, through your 
kindness. If I should receive the reply, as has been promised me, by three o'clock, I 
shall hasten to transmit it to you, begging you to make it known to monseigneur the 
archbishop. In the mean time, it is well that you should know how matters stand. 

Mr. Thiers, having received some time ago the letter brought by Abb6 Lagarde, sub- 
mitted, first to the council of the ministers, and then to the commission of the fifteen 
deputies whom he has associated with himself, the question of the exchange of Blanqui 
on one side and the archbishop and four or five ecclesiastics on the other, and all unani- 
mously refused their consent to such an arrangement. After this, Mr. Thiers declared 
that, notwithstanding the desire he felt to see the archbishop at liberty, as well as the 
Abb^ Deguerry, who was his personal friend, he could not take upon himself to carry 
out the exchange. He added that Mr. Blanqui was to be submitted to a new trial, 
and if he was condemned to death, he, as President, would have the power to spare 
his life ; but as for setting him free, above all before he was tried, he could not do it ; 
this would be beyond his power as chief of the executive power. This reply, addressed 
to M. Darboy more than two weeks ago, was drawn up, and Mr. Lagarde was requested 
to carry it to the archbishop in a sealed envelope as it was. But Mr. Lagarde refused, 
and still refuses, giving as the motive of his refusal that he cannot carry a reply in a 
sealed letter to a letter which he brought unsealed. Thus the letter of Mr. Thiers 
remains still at the ministry "des cultes," and they are unwilling to send it except by 
Mr. Lagarde, who, on his side, does not wish to take charge of it. 

Mr. Thiers desires also to assure me that he has the conviction that neither the life 



THE COMMUNE. 219 

of the <arclibisbop of Paris, nor those of the other ecclesiastics who are at this moment 
in prison, are in dauj^er. 

For ray part I do not share, I confess, the confidence of the President on this subject. 

Four o'clock. — I have just returned from the palace of the prefecture. Mr. Thiers 
read attentively the copy of the memoir of which 1 have spoken above, and he repeated, 
after mature reflection, the same observations which he made in his reply to the letter 
of M. Darboy. He decided not to set Blanqui at liberty, but apparently to spare his 
life if he should be condemned to death. Tbis is all his powers permit him to do. 
Besides, it would never be possible for him to sanction an iniquity consisting in seiz- 
ing hostages among distinguished people in order to set free scamps and culprits by 
lending himself to such plans of exchange, more or less covered up. He repeated the 
assurance that the life of the archbishop ran no danger whatever, and he ended by 
saying that in about two days the troops would be in Paris, and all danger would dis- 
appear. 

This, my dear colleague, is the answer which I can give you, and regret with you 
that it is not more in accordance with the desire of the archbishop and with your 
charitable and generous design. In terminating, permit me to communicate to you, 
in accordance with the orders his eminence Cardinal Antonelli has transmitted to me, 
the sentiments of gratitude of the Holy Father the Pope, and of the cardinal, for all 
that you have done and all that you may do in favor of the archbishop, so unjustly 
tortured. 

Accept, sir, also, with my sincere and affectionate thanks, the renewed assurance,. 
&c., &c., i&C. 

FLAVIUS CHIGI, 
ArcJiMsliop of Myre, AjyostoUc Nuncio. 



[Inclosure 9.] 

Commune op Paris, 

Parin, May 18, 1871. 

Cabinet of the Procureur of the Commune. 

The director of the Mazas will permit Citizens Washburne and McKean to commu" 
nicate with the prisoner Darboy. 
Permanent. 

EAOUL EIGAULT, 

Procureur of the Commune. 
Examined the 21st May, 1871. 



[Inclosure 10.] 

Mr. Waahhurne to Archlishop Chigi. 

Paris, May 11, 1871. 
My Dear Colleague : Mr. McKean, my private secretary, will call on you in rela- 
tion to the archbishoj). He will hand yon a copy of a memorandum made by him on 
the subject of an exchange for Blanqui. I need not assure you that I shall be very 
glad to do anything that is proper in this matter — officiously, of course — to facilitate 
any arrangement that might be made. Mr. McKean visited the archbishop with me 
yesterday, and can explain to you fully in regard to him. 
I have the honor to be, &c., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[Inclosure 11.] 

Mr. Washhurne to Mr. W. B. Norcott. 

Paris, May 11, 1871. 

Dear Sir : I sent to-day a copy of the memorandum of the archbishop of Paris, in 
regard to his being exchanged for Blanqui, to Monseigneur Chigi, and told him that I 
would gladly do anything which would be proper, but of course officiously. I think the 
archbishop put the question very fairly, and I hope his memorandum will be brought 
to the attention of Mr. Thiers. I can well understand the reasons the Versailles 
government might oppose to the proposition for an exchange, but it seems to me they 
might be got over in this case, where the life of such a man as the archbishop is in 
danger. The French Government could lose nothing in placing Blanqui in liberty, 
and by so doing would probably save the life of the archbishop. I consider his life in 



220 THE COMMUNE. 

the most imminent clanger, and for that reason, and with a desire to assuage his suffer- 
ings in prison, I have been willing to lend all my good offices in the matter. In your 
visit to Versailles I hope you will be able to secure the consent of Mr. Thiers to the 
exchange. I believe the Commune have agreed to release several prisoners, including 
M. Beaujon, besides the archbishop, in case Blanqui could be put in liberty. That 
might be an additional consideration with Mr. Thiers. 
I am, «fec., 

E. B. WASHBURNE. 



[lEclosnre 12.] 

Mr. Plou to Mr. Washiurne. 

His Excellency the Minister of the United States in France : 

Sir: I know what interest your excellency has shown in favor of Monseigneur 
Darboy, archbishop of Paris, and I know what gratitude the friends of the Catholic 
Church will feel toward you for it. Permit me, sir, in invoking this interest, to beg 
your excellency to take a step which will be, without doubt, of service to Monseigneur 
Darboy. The celebrities of the bar of Paris having left the capital, monseigneur has 
had the goodness to choose me as his counsel. I consequently asked of the Citizen 
Eaoul Rigault, procureur of the commune, the permission required to visit him at 
the prison of Mazas. I have had two consultations with monseigneur. These inter- 
views enabled me to take certain steps having a character of public interest, and I 
had hoped that they might be renewed from time to time, when the Commune of Paris 
suppressed all the permissions which had been accorded to visit the priest-prisoners, 
and authorized the Citizen Ferre, one of its members, to grant henceforth such author- 
izations as he should j udge to be proper. Notwithstanding my earnest request to him, 
notwithstanding my character of counsel, which should have prevented a refusal — 
for a prisoner cannot be deprived, without barbarity, of advice of counsel — I have been 
able to obtain nothing from Mr. Ferr6, who exhibits an unyielding severity. I have, 
therefore, the honor, appealing to my sincere devotion to monseigneur the archbishop 
(and without this being suggested to me by any one), to beg your excellency to con- 
sent to employ your great influence to obtain from Citizen Ferr6 the permission which 
he refuses me without giving any reason. I ask pardon of your excellency for impor- 
tuning you in this manner, and I hope that you will excuse my indiscretion for the 
sake of the motive which dictates it. 

I am, with great respect, sir, your obedient servant, 

PLOU. 
[Address :] 

Etienne Plou, Jurisconsulte, Bue Fentadour, No. 6. 
Paris, May 11, 1871. 



1^0. 231. 
Mr. Hoffman to Mr. Fish. 

No. 503.] LEaATION OF THE UNITED STATES, 

Paris, August 18, 1871. (Received August 31.) 
Sir : I have the honor to forward to you herewith a copy of a letter 
received from Mr. de Eemusat, conveying the thauks of the agricultural 
society of Oher for aid sent from the United States to the farmers of 
that department. 

The society expresses its thanks to the people of the United States, 
to the JSTew York committee, and to Mr. Henry T. Parker, of Boston, 
who was charged with the distribution of the funds. 

I inclose translations of the letter of Mr. de Eemusat, and of the pro- 
ceedings of the society. 
I am, &c., 

WICKHAM HOFFMAN. 

Lb N 06 

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